Gender-based analysis plus

Introduction

In 2018, Parliament passed the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act. The Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports are being used to fulfill the President of the Treasury Board's obligations to make public, every year, analysis on the impacts of expenditure programs on gender and diversity.

Each department is responsible for conducting their own Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).

The Policy on Results indicates that Program officials, as designated by Deputy Heads, are responsible for ensuring data collection for meeting policy requirements.

Applicability

All organizations must complete GBA Plus supplementary information tables in departmental plans and departmental results reports on an annual basis.

Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26, to advance the GBA Plus Enterprise Approach (EA), the Directorate for Gender Equality and Intersectional Analysis (DGEIA), located within the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC Team), will continue its role as the Defence Team's GBA Plus Centre for Excellence. DGEIA is committed to three key areas for FY 2025-26 to embed GBA Plus within and across the Defence Team's governance structures:

The development of departmental policy and instructions mainstreaming GBA Plus integration and adoption;
The development of standard processes for GBA Plus application and integration on central agency submissions; and
The monitoring and supporting of the achievement of Year One targets identified in GBA Plus Implementation Plans (GBA Plus IPs) across the Defence Team.

Other planned efforts to advance GBA Plus governance within the Defence Team in FY 2025-26 include:

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will formalize an internal governance structure to which the RCAF GBA Plus Implementation Plan will be accountable. The RCAF will also commence reviews of internal orders, directives, and doctrine to determine where additional GBA Plus is required and initiate updates on a prioritized basis.
All decision briefs at the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) governance meetings will require a GBA Plus slide. The percentage of compliant presentations will be tracked and reported quarterly.
The Infrastructure and Environment Group (ADM (IE)), will launch a dashboard to monitor progress and findings of each application of GBA Plus within the group.
The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) and the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) aim to establish a practical internal reporting framework on activities related to GBA Plus and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda that minimizes administrative burden, collects meaningful data, supports informed decision-making and enables continuous improvement.
The Canadian Army (CA) will review and update the mandate of its governance bodies to ensure GBA Plus activities and outcomes are considered in all major decisions and will determine a mechanism to integrate and strengthen GBA Plus within governance bodies.
The Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) Due Diligence Tool, a guidance template for GBA Plus, will be reviewed to understand its impact, challenges, and potential changes required.
Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) will conduct an annual renewal of their GBA Plus organizational needs assessment, philosophy statement and strategic implementation plan documents to align these efforts in accordance with command direction in supporting inclusive outcomes across intersectional decision-making.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Group (VCDS Gp) plans the following activities for FY 2025-26:
- Creation of a Governance Body with Terms of Reference;
- Integration of GBA Plus into performance management; and
- Identification of critical system and processes within VCDS Gp functional authority to be prioritized for the integration of GBA Plus.

Capacity

To foster and support further GBA Plus capacity within the Defence Team, in FY 2025-26, CPCC will continue to build and manage a GBA Plus community of practice through the Intersectional Focal Point Network (IFPN). The IFPN is a designated network and community for GBA Plus Experts to collaborate and engage across the Defence Team's organizations. CPCC will, through monthly meetings and other exchanges, leverage the IFPN as a space for information and knowledge sharing amongst GBA Plus Subject Matter Experts across the Defence Team (DT). The IFPN will also be leveraged as a resource to support enhanced collaboration, peer-support, and relationship-building across the DT's organizations.

CPCC will also engage in the following activities to build GBA Plus capacity:

Planned sessions of the Canada's Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (C-NAP 3) Learning Series, launched in FY 2024-25, will cover topics such as the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, climate emergencies and their relevance to C-NAP 3, and 2SLGBTQI+ rights within the WPS framework;
Launch of a quarterly internal newsletter to share key takeaways and lessons identified generated by discussions during the Open Hours sessions; and
In company with CJOC, the development of tailored training and resources for deployed Gender Advisors and Gender Focal Points, thereby enabling deployed personnel to better understand and mainstream intersectional perspectives into operations.

Training remains a key priority across the Defence Team with the following notable plans for FY 2025-26:

RCAF will continue work to define a training path for GBA Plus;
The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program will be offering coaching sessions through the Team Lead and in partnership with the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC). They will also establish a mentorship inventory and hold periodic networking events over the course of the year; and
Presentations and professional development will continue to be offered by the CMP Gender Advisor on applying and integrating GBA Plus, along with presentations on utilizing the new Due Diligence Tool.

Organizations within the Defence Team are also planning to build, nurture and leverage their own GBA Plus networks or communities of practice, including the RCN, the CA, the Materiel Group (ADM (Mat)), and Human Resources-Civilian (ADM (HR-Civ)).

Finally, tool development will be prioritized by several groups. For instance, ADM(IE) plans to assess the accessibility of its templates and create a checklist for accessible mass emails in FY 2025-26. They will also identify a repository for sharing internal GBA Plus documents to create a body of knowledge. The repository will improve consistency and quality of GBA Plus by broadening the considerations taken during research based on the already-completed research of others in the same field or doing similar assessments. Similarly, the CA and the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) will also develop their own GBA Plus repositories.

Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus

Defence Team full-time equivalents dedicated to GBA Plus: 51

Section 2: Gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.1 Operations in Canada

Program goals: Detecting, deterring and defending against threats to or attacks on Canada and assisting civil authorities, law enforcement agencies and non-governmental partners in responding to domestic emergencies, including terrorism. This program also includes conducting search and rescue operations. GBA Plus collection is limited by legislation which restricts data collection against Canadians.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. GBA Plus data collection is limited by legislation which restricts data collection within Canada or related to Canadians. Gender and intersectional perspectives are integrated into the planning, execution and lessons learned aspects of individual operations. Legislative and policy changes would be required for GBA Plus data collection to expand beyond the administration of voluntary surveys, and capacity to conduct these surveys is limited without additional dedicated resources.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.2 Operations in North America

Program goals: Operations in North America program involves detecting, deterring and defending against threats to/or attacks on North America in partnership with the United States, including through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and meeting our NORAD obligations.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not yet collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. GBA Plus reporting in this program is complicated as NORAD is a binational organization composed of Canada and the United States, and elements of this command are integrated into the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). However, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will continue to provide intersectional expertise and support to NORAD and the USNORTHCOM through use of CAF members as Subject Matter Experts within these organizations. While applicable, this will include the coordination of Women, Peace and Security-related joint training assessment of national military activities in the North to incorporate human security, indigeneity, and intersectionality considerations into military operations. Increased access to relevant data within USNORTHCOM and NORAD would be required to deepen GBA Plus monitoring or reporting of the program.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.3 International Operations

Program goals: Contributing to NATO, the United Nations, and other multilateral partners in support of international peace. This program includes other security stabilization activities such as capacity building.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not yet collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program collects only basic information from periodic and post-action reporting and analysis, limiting the ability to report program effects and impacts by gender and diversity. A detailed data collection plan to measure operational effects and impacts by gender and diversity remains an aspirational goal for FY 2025-26; however, the goal is unlikely to be achieved without policy changes, dedicated staffing resources and the establishment of clear data collection goals before activities are conducted.

CJOC will continue to carefully study the lessons learned and observations from the NATO, CAF and partner nation activities, including activities focused on support to Ukraine. This work encompasses the identification of strategies for documenting, collating, reporting and analyzing organized crime, human trafficking, child protection issues, trauma and abuse events, and the vulnerability of women and children in conflict areas.

While elements of human terrain analysis and intersectional analysis are used to understand the operating environment and plan operations, GBA Plus cannot be applied holistically unless it is adapted to operational processes.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.4 Global Engagement

Program goals: This program promotes Canada's principles across all international defence programs and engagements. The WPS team advocates for gender considerations to be included in policies, bilateral and multilateral meetings, and in engagement with multilateral meetings for a while contributing to government of Canada initiatives to advance the WPS agenda.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Data, in the WPS program, is collected through records of discussion, formal submissions, and other informal reporting mechanisms. For future monitoring and reporting of the WPS program's impacts by gender and diversity, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)/(ADM Pol) will continue to track both qualitatively and quantitatively, with specific considerations for gender and identity-disaggregated data, the inclusion of WPS and gender mainstreaming considerations in discussions and presentations. The Defence Team will be able to track and monitor the advancement of the inclusion of gender and diversity considerations, and mentions of the WPS agenda, through its incorporation into international agreements (e.g., Memoranda of Understanding, NATO policies, United Nations guidelines and policies). Combining qualitative and quantitative data will allow the presentation of a global picture and understanding of social variables around who ADM(Pol) engages with on WPS and ways in which gender and diversity are portrayed in our international engagements.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.5 Cyber Operations

Program goals: The Cyber Operations program, in partnership with Allies, employs cyber forces to detect, deter, defend and defeat threats, adversaries or attacks through the global cyber environment to achieve Canadian military objectives. GBA Plus has yet to be integrated in a way that can be reported.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program continues to experience a shortfall in the data collected for monitoring and reporting on program impacts in the context of GBA Plus. The program has identified multiple new data collection and management policies to be developed, which provides the required entry points for GBA Plus. This approach will be built into the GBA Plus Implementation Plan (GBA Plus IP) while additional entry points will be sought out and identified as needed.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.6 Command, Control, and Sustainment of Operations

Program goals: The Command, Control and Sustainment of Operations program involves a well-defined national command and communications structure and associated coordinating rules, resources, intelligence, space surveillance and cyber defence support to ensure unity of action to deliver military effects.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not yet collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. All detailed data collection plans to measure operational effects and impacts by gender and diversity remain aspirational goals for FY 2025-26; however, limited staffing resources and the need to establish clear data collection goals remain key challenges to be addressed. As part of this, CJOC aspires to gather data related to equipment and infrastructure used on operations, to be reported in future Departmental Results Reports.

Annually, CJOC Headquarters staff receive briefs from a team of advisors and supporters, in the interest of updating baseline knowledge regarding the mainstreaming of gender and intersectional perspectives, Women, Peace and Security and Vancouver Principles. Other members of the CJOC team bring forth knowledge of the wider CAF Culture Change implementation program for action within CJOC, as well as covering diversity, inclusion, alternative options to engage leaders with concerns, and workplace advisory teams.

This annual update seeks to ensure the entire CJOC staff team is updated and aware of ideal and optimal use of tools and strategies in the fields of human security and intersectionality. Similar information is shared with each deploying Task Force leadership, as part of the Key Leader Engagement process.

Additionally, in FY 2025-26, CJOC will implement strategies to commence GBA Plus Enterprise Approach reporting as part of a multi-year implementation roadmap.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.7 Special Operations

Program goals: Special Operations Forces are multi-purpose forces held at very high readiness levels to respond to situations that pose an imminent threat to national interests. The program aims to maximize the value of intersectional insights by Integrating GBA Plus in to special operations planning.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. In FY 2025-26, the CANSOFCOM Intersectional Advisor (IAd) will collaborate with units and directorates to adapt the current Gender Focal Point (GFP) network organization and mentorship framework to simplify the use of and reporting on GBA Plus by CANSOFCOM units. Internal reporting of how GBA Plus is employed in each unit and directorate will be centralized with the CANSOFCOM IAd.

CANSOFCOM will also collect qualitative data that will focus on the description of how GBA Plus is being used in various contexts and the impact of incorporating GBA Plus considerations in special operations. Quantitative data collection will focus initially on percentages of training completed.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.1 Strategic Command and Control

Program goals: The Strategic Command and Control program directly enables Command decisions concerning the development of readiness targets, the issuance of readiness directives and the promulgation of Force Posture Plans.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not directly affect the selection of personnel supporting readiness remits, which is rather controlled by the other force-generating Assistant Deputy Minister-level groups under Programs 2.2 to 2.10. The Strategic Joint Staff (SJS) provides generic guidance to ensure organizations within the Defence Team include GBA Plus considerations in their support to readiness overall. Data supporting Program 2.1 are insufficient to drive any analytics or decisions on GBA Plus matters in readiness. However, in FY 2025-26, the SJS Culture Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, comprised of representatives from each of the five SJS Directorates (Operations, Plans, Coordination, Support, and Strategic Effects and Readiness) will work collaboratively to integrate GBA Plus and intersectional analysis into internal decision-making processes across the organization, to ensure internal policies and programs are inclusive and meet the needs of diverse populations.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.2 Ready Naval Forces

Program goals: The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will enable combat ready forces through removal of barriers to inclusion while at sea and alongside, identified through an increased implementation of GBA Plus into decisions made through RCN governance. The RCN will update accommodation policies to maximize operational opportunities at sea for all genders.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.3 Ready Land Forces

Program goals: The Ready Land Forces program generates, sustains and renews combat effective, multi-purpose land forces and capabilities that are operationally ready. The program is organized to ensure that soldiers are trained and adequately equipped.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The program is complex with many different outcomes and outputs. Some segments within the program are more appropriate for data collection than others, and these have been prioritized for performance measurement. Each commander is responsible for their own GBA Plus and they incorporate their GBA Plus findings into decisions which they self-report during the reporting period. Data collection and monitoring will continue to evolve with the full implementation of the Canadian Army GBA Plus Implementation Plan and Organizational Culture Plan in FY 2025-26.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.4 Ready Air and Space Forces

Program goals: The Ready Air and Space Forces program generates, sustains and renews combat effective, multi-purpose aerospace forces and capabilities that are ready for operations.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Previous work to monitor trends related to representation of women across the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) positions and occupations is supporting decision-making at senior levels related to talent management, policy review prioritization and resources allocation culture evolution. As part of planned improvements to GBA Plus governance, the RCAF will have increased oversight of GBA Plus work for projects, programs and policies that will eventually support the ability to measure outcomes for additional diverse groups. In FY 2025-26, the RCAF will finalize development of a performance measurement framework that will include limited monitoring of GBA Plus related outcomes for air and space force readiness.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.5 Ready Special Operations Forces

Program goals: The Ready Special Operations Forces program generates, sustains, and renews effective special operations forces and capabilities. The program incorporates the application of GBA Plus, providing intersectional insights to assist Special Operations Task Forces in carrying out precise tactical operations and training, both domestically and internationally.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. In FY 2025-26, the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) will increase and strengthen its continuous efforts to implement intersectional perspectives into collective training activities, pre-deployment training, and deployment considerations, by integrating its Intersectional Advisor and Gender Focal Points throughout these initiatives. In doing so, this will enable an improved understanding of intersectional considerations in the context of Special Operations Task Force readiness.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.6 Ready Cyber and Joint Communication Information Systems Forces

Program goals: The Ready Cyber and Joint Communication Information Systems (CIS) program prepares and sustains combat effective cyber forces that can respond to a spectrum of tasks. It also delivers strategic level Joint CIS.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program continues to experience shortfalls in the data collected for monitoring and reporting on program impacts in the context of GBA Plus. The program has identified multiple new data collection and management policies to be developed, which provides the required entry points for GBA Plus. This approach will be built into the GBA Plus IP while additional entry points will be sought out and identified as needed.

The program continues to focus on ensuring privacy is respected in the development of data collection policies related to who requires training and to what extent. Doing so, it will allow us to identify which educational barriers exist in in this field of specialization while engaging with the Defence Team to ensure that ethical use of data is considered, and anonymity is maintained.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.7 Ready Intelligence Forces

Program goals: Annual efforts to support applications from visible minorities, women and others from diverse backgrounds into the civilian Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) ( Defence Intelligence Recruitment Program (DIORP) are ongoing (GC InfoBase – Infographic for Ready Intelligence Forces).

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The collection of GBA Plus data in support of the DIORP continues, is specifically driven by the numbers of applicants, accepted candidates and successful completion rates in the program. Efforts will continue to expand the program's capacity to report on direct and indirect/unintentional impacts on gender and diversity within the program. For FY 2025-26, exit interviews conducted at the conclusion of the program, will include questions around gender and diversity impacts within the program, for CFINTCOM as an organization, and for the wider Intelligence Enterprise, with the expectation of garnering insights for future reporting.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.8 Ready Joint and Combined Forces

Program goals: Prepare force elements that can operate jointly across all environments and domains and, in some cases, combined and interoperable with allies and/or domestic organizations.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not yet collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) maintains limited ready forces in the form of 1st Canadian Division, and all policies and procedures for their readiness and deployment will continue to be in step with standards for gender perspectives in CJOC operations. GBA Plus data collection is unlikely to progress within this program given current staffing and resourcing levels.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.10 Equipment Support

Program goals: The Equipment Support program ensures weapons systems, defence support systems and associated equipment required by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to meet training and readiness requirements are made available. The Defence Team continues to use GBA Plus to identify potential deficiencies in equipment and to improve design elements.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects data to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Equipment acquisition projects and material management programs will continue to collect GBA Plus data in FY 2025-26. This data will be incorporated into project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. The data collection process will continue to be supported by a GBA Plus Project Support specialist who will provide guidance and support to the organization. In addition, a repository for tracking GBA Plus studies, costs and achievements relevant to equipment acquisition and materiel support activities will be developed. This will be shared with the Diversity and Inclusion GBA Plus repository for widest sharing across the Material Group (ADM Mat).

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.11 The Employer Support Programmes

Program goals: To increase retention within the reserve force by providing programs and services to assist the relationship between a CAF member and their civilian Employer.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The reason data collection is not currently possible is because the Program does not own the Reserves. There are many ongoing GBA Plus initiatives, but they are all owned and reported on by the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force which creates a concern around the possible duplication of data. The Canadian Armed Forces Exit Survey (CAF STAR) is on track for data collection in FY 2025-26 and will be used to cross reference gender identity. At this time, there is no central data that is being collected or shared which would allow for a holistic vision of GBA Plus initiatives for this program.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.1 Recruitment

Program goals: The Recruitment Program attracts, processes, selects, transfers and enrolls enough quality internal and external applicants to meet the personnel needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and specific occupations.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Within Military Personnel Generation Group (MPGG), sufficient data is collected to enable reporting. Employment Equity information is collected via the Canadian Forces Recruitment Information Management System but is optional. MPGG is modernizing the current Online Employment Applicant Portal with the Online Applicant Portal (OAP) 1.0. There is an on-going GBA Plus review of the OAP 1.0 during the development as well as a final review scheduled before it's launch (to be determined). The OAP 1.0 will ensure that up to date data, in line with current policies and practices, are collected for the use of analysis on the recruit population. This data overall supports analysis for our representation goals.

Pertaining to new initiatives, regarding facilitating and optimizing the management of personnel that are in the training and education system, the Basic Training List Management System that is being developed and implemented in FY 2025-26 and beyond, will eventually provide data to support GBA Plus.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.2 Individual Training and Professional Military Education

Program goals: The Individual Training and Professional Military Education program ensures Canadian Armed Forces members possess a systematic and specialized body of military knowledge and skills acquired through education and training. This program also includes Civilian Learning and Professional Development to provide civilian personnel with the requisite qualifications for their positions.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable monitoring and reporting of impacts by gender and diversity. Efforts as noted in the 2024-25 Departmental Plan GBA Plus Supplementary Information Table (SIT) are continuing into FY 2025-26 to understand, identify, and create value-added processes to collect, analyze, evaluate, and monitor new and existing data, including data from student exit surveys.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.3 Total Health Care

Program goals: The Total Health Care program provides a full spectrum of safe, high-quality health services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) through a well-governed health care system. The Program also supports the Department of National Defence (DND) civilian health and wellness.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The multidimensional and broad Total Health Care program does not yet collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity across the board. Efforts outlined in the 2024-25 Departmental Plan GBA Plus SIT are ongoing, as the Canadian Forces Health Services continues its effort on integrating GBA Plus into programs and services and is working toward appropriate data collection and databases to enable monitoring of CAF health impacts by gender and diversity variables. Work remains underway to supplement data collection and data fields in the Canadian Forces Health Information System and on health-related forms to include gender. Additionally, once the new Electronic Health Record Platform has been implemented, as directed in Our North, Strong, and Free this will help inform health program planning for equity-deserving groups in the CAF. The Women's and Diversity Health continues to drive gender and diversity research and health surveillance.

The Office of Disability Management currently collects limited GBA Plus data for the provision of disability management services to DND public service employees. The program will explore further opportunities to collect self-identification data to monitor program impacts by gender and diversity.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.4 Defence team Management

Program goals: The Defence Team reflects the values and diversity of Canadian society and that the health and well-being of the Defence Team is well supported. GBA Plus has been integrated into the policy development framework and activities to reflect the diverse needs of the Defence Team personnel.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Director Military Personnel Policy Integration (DMPPI), within Director General Military Personnel Strategy (DGMP Strat) collects sufficient data. Sound policy development practices within Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) support GBA Plus data being available to leadership for the purposes of decision-making and policy development. Additionally, an increased focus on the monitoring and evaluation phase of policies is underway over the next FY 2025-26. Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, as outlined in previous Departmental Plans, continues to collect sufficient data and adjusts its surveys' demographic questions, frequency, and sampling approaches to ensure that sufficient data is collected to best enable analysis of impacts by gender and diversity on select programs.

Data is also collected through the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) to identify gaps and opportunities within the department. Employees can provide self-identification data through both digital and paper-based processes. This data is validated annually against the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) data holdings. As the department advances toward greater digitization, a new self-identification module in the TBS Applications Portal will enhance the detail and accuracy of self-identification for public service employees, while also improving privacy and security. Given the current low response rate, DND will continue to promote and raise awareness of the Self-Identification survey in both HRMS and the TBS Applications Portal once the new module is launched.

Within the program, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and report program impacts by gender and diversity. To support its capacity to report on impacts by gender and diversity, in 2025-26, the SMSRC will continue to explore opportunities to improve its initiatives, with attention paid to inequitable outcomes for groups as access to data improves over time. More specifically, the SMSRC will conduct disaggregated data analyses, to the extent possible, using data from various sources. As one example, the Client Experience Survey was launched in fall 2024 to gather insights into client experiences around service quality, accessibility, responsiveness and other issues. It collects data on intersectional factors such as gender, race, region, and language to help identify areas where the SMSRC can adapt its approach to better meet the needs of, and to reduce barriers to, the diverse communities it serves.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.5 Military Transition

Program goals: The Military Transition program provides support for all members to seamlessly transition to post military life.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) collects sufficient data to monitor and report on program impacts by age and gender and when applicable, by the seven domains of well-being (finances, purpose, social integration, life skills, health, cultural and social environment, and housing and physical environment), as CAF members navigate through the Military to Civilian Transition experience. The CAF TG Analytics Support Centre is developing data collection and reporting capabilities related to the new Military-to-Civilian service model. At maturity, this reporting capability will provide the opportunity to perform intersectional analysis and provide insights on how CAF members of different backgrounds, identities and social groups are engaging with transition services. Services include transition plan development, family supports, health-related services, career planning, and transition training products. This will ensure that the needs of all transitioning members can be better understood and more effectively supported. Looking ahead, the CAF TG intends to expand the range of variables (e.g., socio-demographic, well-being) collected for its programs and services to further enable GBA Plus.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.6 Military Member and Family Support

Program goals: The Military Member and Family Support Program helps military personnel, and their families meet the unique stresses and demands of the military lifestyle support their well-being and honour their service and sacrifice.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), as outlined in the 2024-25 Departmental Plan GBA Plus SIT, continues to collect sufficient data by identifying factors including gender, language, and relationship status. An active GBA Plus Working Group supports staff capacity-building and enables staff with the tools and skills to apply GBA Plus within their portfolios.

The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS) does not collect data that permit it to report or monitor the impacts that gender and diversity have on its programs (e.g., on religious services, the SENTINEL Program, the Spiritual Resilience Hour series, etc.). Within the RCChS, the filling of the Staff Officer position within the Spiritual Resilience and Well-Being Cell will permit the development of questionnaires and performance metrics that will include the collection of data related to the intersectionality of religion/spirituality with gender and other aspects of diversity.

The Directorate of Honours and Recognition (DH&R) has some capacity to report on gender and diversity impacts. This is a long standing and ongoing effort. Unless changes are made to Guardian and Employment Equity data availability, no current initiatives exist to enable future monitoring.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.7 Military History and Heritage

Program goals: The Military History and Heritage Program aims to instill in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian public a sense of pride by sharing Canada's military history and traditions and showcasing Canadian military expertise and values.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Extensive GBA Plus was conducted during the revision of the CAF Dress Instructions. Following this, the Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis is conducting research on the perspectives of changes to the CAF Dress Instructions, which will continue into FY 2025-26. This data from CAF members can be disaggregated and utilized for further application of GBA Plus towards any additional changes to the CAF Dress Instructions going forward.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.8 Military Law Services/Military Justice Superintendence

Program goals: The Judge Advocate General (JAG) superintends the administration of military justice in the CAF. The National Defence Act and the system of military justice are subject to the Canadian Constitution including the Charter. The Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) supports the JAG in carrying out their statutory duties and functions.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program is not currently collecting sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report on program impacts by gender and diversity. The notable actions that are planned to improve data collection and analysis tools is the implementation of the Justice Administration and Information Management System (JAIMS). JAIMS is designed to produce dashboards with disaggregated data. There are plans for a sexual misconduct dashboard that will be further upgraded and refined in new versions of JAIMS based on feedback from JAIMS users, victims, and internal stakeholder engagement, particularly with representatives of the Canadian Military Prosecution Service, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture, and the Military Police. The JAIMS Project Team is currently working on the development of sexual misconduct dashboards and examining options for sourcing the disaggregated data required to produce the most detailed dashboards and reports. JAIMS is integrated with Guardian software and draws demographic information from that system, some of which may be usable in desegregating data for dashboards and other reports. Information collected in a new version of JAIMS will help identify what groups are most at risk of sexual misconduct and those who are most likely to offend.

Users with the authority to open a military justice case in JAIMS will be advised that the threshold for opening a case is very low such that any incident or report, no matter how minor, must lead to a case being opened. Decisions may be taken after that point with respect to the assignment of an investigator, but to capture all possible misconduct, a case must be opened in JAIMS. JAIMS cannot, however, address incidents where no one reports. Education and training related to duty to report or the importance of reporting all incidents is beyond the scope of JAIMS training.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.9 Ombudsman

Program goals: This program aims to increase transparency in the Defence Team and to ensure the fair treatment of members of the Defence community. The Office continues to establish GBA Plus considerations and best practices for external constituents, as well as policies and procedures that impact our internal functions and employee population.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not yet collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The operations group within the Ombudsman's office will be hiring a GBA Plus consultant to aid in the formalization of our existing initiatives and to enhance the effectiveness of our GBA Plus efforts, particularly in increasing response rates to our GBA Plus survey. The consultant was hired in November 2024, and work is expected to be completed in FY 2025-26, however there is no specific timeline. The office will also be leveraging the use of an accessibility contractor to ensure that considerations and adjustments are made from an accessibility lens for all external constituents and internal employees.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.10 Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (Youth Program)

Program goals: The Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR Gp) offers Canadian youth physically challenging, mentally stimulating programs in structured environments that promote community, environmental responsibility and personal health and well-being. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces is committed to expanding the reach of these important programs that provide experiences and opportunities that enable successful transition to adulthood.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not currently collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Identification of requirements and strategies for further monitoring and reporting relating to impacts of gender and diversity will be included in the CJCR Culture Evolution Plan. This will include planning for development of Key Program Indicators relating to effective GBA Plus integration within CJCR. Information regarding "Gender Identity" and "Sex Assigned at Birth" available through the Cadet Entrance and Exit Surveys, and through Fortress Information System for cadets, will help inform requirement identification. It is important to note that completion of "Gender Identity" fields is optional, and although the program is experiencing a very high completion rate with the Entrance survey, it is not at 100% completion.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.1 Joint Force Development

Program goals: The Joint Force Development Program synchronizes and integrates all force development activities across the Canadian Armed Forces to develop the capabilities required to produce strategically relevant, operationally responsive, and decisive military forces.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The program does not currently collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Due to the nature of the work being conducted in this Program, it does not have the work model and the capacity to collect any additional data to enable the complete monitoring and/or reporting of program impacts by gender and diversity. The Chief of Force Development is committed to continue exploring any potential options to assist with the required coverage of GBA Plus for most supporting services and products offered.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.2 Naval Force Development

Program goals: The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will continue to conduct analysis around potential design features to incorporate into the River Class Destroyer and Canadian Patrol Submarine Project vessels to address the needs of diverse groups of people. Appropriate engineering or policy changes will be implemented for existing classes.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Percentage of designated group members employed at sea or alongside within the RCN are tracked bi-annually by occupation and rank by coast which enables analyses of equipment users by many identity factors. Statements of Capability Deficiencies, Unsatisfactory Condition Reports, and Engineering Changes associated with gender and diversity will be collected to monitor the effectiveness of GBA Plus conducted during the design and procurement process.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.3 Land Force Development

Program goals: The Land Force Development program develops and manages the execution of activities that introduce new or modified capabilities to achieve desired effects during Defence operations, activities or services.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. In FY 2025-26, the Canadian Army (CA) will continue efforts to improve reporting of impacts by gender and diversity as part of governance processes concerning all performance measurements. Governance processes include activities related to developing, launching, controlling, and reviewing direction, policies, guidelines, and technology adoptions. The governance processes are cyclical high-level endorsement meetings for CA decision makers.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.4 Air and Space Force Development

Program goals: The Air and Space Force Development program develops and manages the execution of activities that introduce new or modified capabilities to achieve desired effects during Defence operations, activities or services.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. As part of planned improvements to GBA Plus governance, in FY 2025-26 the Royal Canadian Air Force will finalize development of a performance measurement framework that will include monitoring of GBA Plus and related outcomes. This, combined with improved access to disaggregated data facilitated by Chief Professional Conduct and Culture and Chief Military Personnel through Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, will improve ability to monitor the impact of GBA Plus on program outcomes.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.5 Special Operations Force Development

Program goals: This program develops and manages the execution of activities that introduce new or modified capabilities to achieve desired effects. The integration of GBA Plus within the force development process provides an enhanced intersectional understanding of the varied requirements for all members.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. For FY 2025-26, the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) will continue the development of new body armour to improve the fit for diverse body types, including female bodies, and will continue to test and modify the equipment to ensure effective personal protection. CANSOFCOM will explore collaboration with the Canadian Army to expand this project with the aim of scaling up quantities and adapting body armour for a greater variety of body shapes and sizes. Both qualitative and quantitative feedback and data will be collected on this equipment.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.6 Cyber and Joint Communication Information System (CIS) Force Development

Program goals: The Cyber and Joint (CIS) Force Development program is responsible for developing and managing the execution of Cyber and Joint CIS force development activities to be integrated and implemented into the Canadian Armed Forces.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program continues to experience a shortfall in the data collected for monitoring and reporting on program impacts in the context of GBA Plus. The program has identified multiple new data collection and management policies to be developed, which provides the required entry points for GBA Plus. This approach will be built into the GBA Plus Implementation Plan (IP) while additional entry points will be sought out and identified as needed.

As data collection and management policies are developed, the Digital Services Group (DSG) will supplement employment and self-identification data from Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources – Civilian) (ADM(HR-Civ)) and Military Personnel Command (MILPERSCOM) to develop a robust monitoring and evaluation plan. The GBA Plus IP and new data strategy will reduce DSGs ongoing reliance on the Defence Team Human Resources Management System (HRMS) 8.9 and Guardian for data.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.7 Intelligence Force Development

Program goals: To integrate GBA Plus as part of intelligence analysis at the strategic level.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program includes the expansion of the application of GBA Plus to Intelligence Future Force design projects has been hampered by personnel issues. As such, the widespread and consistent collection of GBA Plus centred data is not yet sufficient to enable a fulsome monitoring and reporting program with regards to impacts by gender and diversity. Efforts to increase this capability will include providing training during FY 2025-26 for project personnel to expand the program's capacity to report on direct and indirect/unintentional impacts of the program according to gender and diversity criteria.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.8 Science Technology and Innovation

Program goals: To provide the Defence Team with an advantage in knowledge, technologies and solutions for mission success while enabling a robust innovation base. Though various activities, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) seeks to incorporate GBA Plus in addressing Defence challenges and providing opportunities for the Canadian innovation industry.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program continues to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in its day-to-day activities, decisions, and partnerships choices. More specifically, the IDEaS application and evaluation process for proposals continues to include Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) requirements and point-rated criterion (PRC-5). In FY 2025-26, IDEaS program will continue to track the percentage of successful proposals that included a GBA Plus.

Further, the IDEaS program continues to collect data to monitor and report program impacts by various diversity groups. In FY 2025-26, the application form will include an expanded list of diversity groups in a question that allows companies to self-identify whether their organizational leadership, ownership or research team is 50% majority:

A recent immigrant to Canada (i.e. landed in Canada in the last five years);
Black and/or person(s) of African descent;
Indigenous person(s) including First Nations, Inuit and Métis;
Member(s) of another racialized community;
Member(s) of the LGBTQ2+ community;
Person(s) living with a disability;
Women; and/or
Person(s) younger than 40 years old.

The IDEaS program will compile statistics on both successful and unsuccessful proposals against companies' percent ownership by diversity group, from program launch date to the end of FY 2025-26. This data will be developed to reveal the profile of companies that have participated in the program, and to track trends in the diversity of companies over time.

Core responsibility: Procurement of Capabilities

Program name: 5.1 Maritime Equipment Acquisition

Program goals: The Maritime Equipment Acquisition program acquires new or modernized equipment required by the Canadian Armed Forces in response to evolve Defence requirements. The Defence Team will continue to use GBA Plus to support the identification of potential deficiencies and to improve design elements.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Core responsibility: Procurement of Capabilities

Program name: 5.2 Land Equipment Acquisition

Program goals: The Land Equipment Acquisition program acquires new or modernized equipment required by the Canadian Armed Forces in response to evolve Defence requirements. The Defence Team will continue to use GBA Plus to support the identification of potential deficiencies and to improve design elements.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects data to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Equipment acquisition projects and material management programs will continue to collect GBA Plus data in FY 2025-26. This data will be incorporated into project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board Secretariat and ministerial submissions. The data collection process will continue to be supported by a GBA Plus Project Support specialist who will provide guidance and support to the organization. In addition, a repository for tracking GBA Plus studies, costs and achievements relevant to equipment acquisition and materiel support activities will be developed. This will be shared with the Diversity and Inclusion GBA Plus repository for widest sharing across the Material Group.

Core responsibility: Procurement of Capabilities

Program name: 5.3 Aerospace Equipment Acquisition

Program goals: The Aerospace Equipment Acquisition program acquires new or modernized equipment required by the Canadian Armed Forces in response to evolve Defence requirements. The Defence Team will continue to use GBA Plus to support the identification of potential deficiencies and to improve design elements.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects data to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Equipment acquisition projects and material management programs will continue to collect GBA Plus data in FY 2025-26. This data will be incorporated into project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board Secretariat and ministerial submissions. The data collection process will continue to be supported by a GBA Plus Project Support specialist who will provide guidance and support to the organization. In addition, a repository for tracking GBA Plus studies, costs and achievements relevant to equipment acquisition and materiel support activities will be developed. This will be shared with the Diversity and Inclusion GBA Plus repository for widest sharing across the Materiel Group.

Core responsibility: Procurement of Capabilities

Program name: 5.4 Defence Information Technology Systems Acquisition, Design, and Delivery

Program goals: The Defence Information Technology Systems Acquisition, Design and Delivery program acquires, designs, builds and delivers information systems and applications in support of future force capabilities and enhancement.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program continues to experience a shortfall in the data collected for monitoring and reporting on program impacts in the context of GBA Plus. The program has identified multiple new data collection and management policies to be developed, which provides the required entry points for GBA Plus. This approach will be built into the GBA Plus Implementation Plan (IP) while additional entry points will be sought out and identified as needed.

The majority of the Digital Services Group (DSG) activities for this program will be completed by March 2025. In FY 2025-26, the program will monitor and report improvements through the GBA Plus Implementation Plan and the data strategy as they are implemented.

Core responsibility: Procurement of Capabilities

Program name: 5.5 Defence Materiel Management

Program goals: The Defence Materiel Management program ensures that materiel is effectively and efficiently managed across the supply chain to support the Canadian Armed Forces. The Defence Team will use GBA Plus to identify of potential deficiencies and to improve the design of equipment and services procured for Canadian Armed Forces members.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects data to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. Equipment acquisition projects and materiel management programs will continue to collect GBA Plus data in FY 2025-26. This data will be incorporated into project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. The data collection process will continue to be supported by a GBA Plus Project Support specialist who will provide guidance and support to the organization. In addition, a repository for tracking GBA Plus studies, costs and achievements relevant to equipment acquisition and materiel support activities will be developed. This will be shared with the Diversity and Inclusion GBA Plus repository for widest sharing across the Material Group.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.1 Defence Infrastructure Program Management

Program goals: The Defence Infrastructure Program Management program manages, coordinates and oversees the Department's Real Property portfolio in a holistic manner that supports the Department of National Defense and Canadian Armed Forces strategies and priorities. This program also includes divestment activities.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program has not yet established a methodology for data collection to enable it to holistically monitor and report on program impacts by gender and diversity as the reporting is done at the individual operational infrastructure requirement or project level and that data is only gathered for overview for project structures that include subprojects under one project umbrella. Having said this, GBA Plus is conducted as part of any infrastructure project requirement, and there is continued work to define how to roll up data on this at the program management level. Functional Planning Guidance and planning documents such as the Master Real Property Development Plans direct GBA Plus action via projects for program impacts.

In FY 2025-26, the program will identify tools available to report on GBA Plus data at a program level to appropriately monitor and report on the program's impacts by gender and diversity. In addition, a needs assessment will be conducted to identify, analyse and address reporting challenges and limitations in all directorates.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.2 Defence Infrastructure Construction, Recapitalization and Investment

Program goals: The Defence Infrastructure Construction, Recapitalization and Investment program allows Defence to expand, enhance and renew its existing real property portfolio. In FY 2023-24, each capital construction project conducted GBA Plus to identify intersectionality aspects that could either inform the infrastructure solution or be addressed through its implementation.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program does not have adequately developed mechanisms and resources in place to collect feedback from diverse groups within the military and civilian population who use the infrastructure.

In FY 2025-26, a needs assessment will be conducted to identify, analyse and address reporting challenges and limitations in all directorates.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.3 Defence Infrastructure Maintenance, Support and Operations

Program goals: The Defence Infrastructure Maintenance, Support and Operations program operates and maintains the realty portfolio by implementing maintenance, repair and infrastructure support activities on bases and wings.

GBA Plus data collection plan

In FY 2025-26, a needs assessment will be conducted to identify, analyse and address reporting challenges and limitations in all directorates.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.4 Defence Residential Housing Program

Program goals: Gender-Based Analysis Plus can help identify how residential housing programs affect people differently. By applying this framework, we can ensure that these programs are inclusive and equitable for all. Key areas to consider include access, affordability, quality, safety, and community engagement.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. CFHA is currently reviewing a report provided by its GBA Plus consultant to identify potential strategies for enhancing its data collection processes and aligning them with departmental best practices. This will enable the agency to effectively monitor and report on gender and diversity impacts in the future.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.5 Defence Information Systems, Services, and Program Management

Program goals: The Defence Information Systems, Services and Program Management program ensures that existing platforms and systems are available, healthy, secure, integrated and interoperable.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. This program continues to experience a shortfall in the data collected for monitoring and reporting on program impacts in the context of GBA Plus. This program has identified multiple new data collection and management policies to be developed, which provides the required entry points for GBA Plus. This approach will be built into the GBA Plus Implementation Plan (IP) while additional entry points will be sought out and identified as needed.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.6 Environmental Management and Climate Action

Program goals: The Environmental Management and Climate Action program covers activities to establish sound and responsible strategic direction to the Defence Team regarding sustainable activities including energy and environmental considerations, the assessment and clean-up of contaminated sites, and activities that support the government's environmental and low-carbon agenda.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The Environmental Sustainability Management group does not collect data on program impacts by gender and diversity.

In FY 2025-26, a needs assessment will be conducted to identify, analyse and address reporting challenges and limitations in all directorates.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.7 Indigenous Affairs

Program goals: The program seeks to promote the alignment of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) activities, operations, policies and programs with government-wide reconciliation commitments and obligations with respect to Indigenous Peoples.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The Director General of Indigenous Affairs (DGIA), including the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP), collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and report on program impacts by diversity as it relates to a regional and distinctions-based understanding of Indigenous collectives. The program does not collect data disaggregated by gender.

DGIA applies a GBA Plus lens to new or renewed DGIA initiatives, such as Cabinet and Treasury Board proposals. Beyond this, DGIA is largely responsible for providing advice to organizations on Indigenous affairs. As such, it is incumbent upon those organizations undertaking initiatives with potential or confirmed impacts on Indigenous rights or interests to undertake data collection in support of monitoring and reporting on program impacts by gender and diversity.

In relation to the IRP, a grants and contribution program, data is disaggregated by region and Indigenous collective. During FY 2025-26, the IRP plans to collect additional data to report on the IRP's impact by diversity group.

During FY 2025-26, the IRP will collect additional data to report on impact by gender in FY 2026-27.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.8 Naval Bases

Program goals: The modernization of base infrastructure will ensure that physical spaces are effectively designed to be accessible, safe and inclusive for all; ensuring persons of all gender expressions and levels of physical ability are comfortable in their work environment.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The Royal Canadian Navy is monitoring the percentage of uniformed women by rank and trade who are employed within Naval Bases, and civilian Defence Team members from across the employment equity seeking groups. Monitoring will be conducted through maintaining an open dialogue with coastal Defence Advisory Groups to identify solutions to issues.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.9 Land Bases

Program goals: The Land Bases program provides and hosts a variety of support services to its assigned dependencies which, depending on the specific base, includes Army, Navy, and Air Force Regular and Reserve formations and units.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. All Canadian Army (CA) projects and initiatives are supported by GBA Plus. As the CA continues to institutionalize GBA Plus, the monitoring and evolution of GBA Plus will become more robust. The Canadian Armed Forces Food Services Standards will continue to support a culturally diverse CAF population by diversifying the CAF Menu in dining halls across CA Bases. This may include recipes that are culturally diverse, plant based, lacto-ovo vegetarian or vegan. As part of the CA's provision of Base Safety Programs across the country, base safety officers will ensure that safety incident reporting mechanisms account for sex, gender, and under-represented groups as required.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.10 Air and Space Wings

Program goals: The Air and Space Wings program provides and hosts a variety of support services to its assigned dependencies which, depending on the specific base, includes the Canadian Army (CA), the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Regular and Reserve formations and units.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The RCAF continues to assess how to increase oversight of outcomes for diverse groups impacted by work under the Air and Space Wings program. Efforts have been underway since FY 2023-24 to monitor RCAF specific disaggregated data and trends.

However, this information is not readily available for specific RCAF wings, which limits the ability to monitor results of GBA Plus. In FY 2025-26, RCAF will finalize development of a performance measurement framework, which could eventually be used to monitor GBA Plus related outcomes for decisions related to Air and Space Wings.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.11 Joint, Common and International Bases

Program goals: This program provides and hosts a variety of support services to its assigned dependencies which, depending on the specific base, includes Army, Navy, and Air Force Regular and Reserve formations and units.

GBA Plus data collection plan

The program does not currently collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. While there are no specific programs and data collection plans at the Base/Formation level, Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) units and branches endeavor to review day-to-day activities through a GBA Plus lens. Examples include National Capital Region-wide communiques, Base standing orders and other internal directives and instructions.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.12 Military Police Institutional Operations

Program goals: The Military Police Institutional Operations program assists the Canadian Armed Forces in enforcing discipline and maintaining security.

GBA Plus data collection plan

This program does not currently collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity. The program has a single indicator that will not change, reporting on the weighted clearance rate of criminal and service offence investigations. However, there have been recent improvements in our policies concerning interactions with the public, and upgrades to the Records Management System to account for gender diversity. Work is ongoing in concert with Statistics Canada (StatCan) and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) to improve and/or design and implement collection of additional GBA Plus diversity factors in an appropriate, scientific and standardized manner. This will enable future analysis of the impact of policing activities on specific groups in society and facilitate comparison to other regions or other law enforcement agencies. There is currently no date for implementation, as it relies on an approved product from StatCan and CACP.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems, and Infrastructure of Capabilities

Program name: 6.13 Safety

Program goals: The Department's Safety program's purpose is to enhance the health, safety and well-being of the Defence Team.

GBA Plus data collection plan

Currently, the Safety Program has limited capacity to collect sufficient data to enable the complete monitoring and/or reporting of program impacts by gender and diversity.

Reporting from a GBA Plus perspective when it comes to Safety can be challenging due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. Currently, the Hazardous Occurrence forms (DND 663) do have the option of choosing one's gender (Male/Female/Other) but most of the time, the person completing the form does not want to identify as one of the options or chooses to skip over this.

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2025-06-17