Gender-based analysis plus

Scales for Distribution of Benefits found in Section 2 of this document

Gender scale

First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
Second group: 60% to 79% men
Third group: broadly gender-balanced
Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
Fifth group: predominantly women (80% or more women)

Income-level scale

First group: strongly benefits low-income individuals (strongly progressive)
Second group: somewhat benefits low-income individuals (somewhat progressive)
Third group: no significant distributional impacts
Fourth group: somewhat benefits high-income individuals (somewhat regressive)
Fifth group: strongly benefits high-income individuals (strongly regressive)

Age-group scale

First group: primarily benefits youth, children or future generations
Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation

Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

In 2023-24, the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture's (CPCC) Directorate of Gender Equality and Intersectional Analysis (DGEIA) worked to develop and implement the GBA Plus Enterprise Approach (GBA Plus EA) across the Defence Team. The GBA Plus EA is annexed to the Defence Team's Culture Evolution Strategy and is part of the department's framework to enable culture change and support the use of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) across the Defence Team. Organizations within the Defence Team also began developing their first iterations of organizational-level GBA Plus Implementation Plans.

In addition, CPCC initiated the process of drafting a renewed Chief of Defence Staff/Deputy Minister Joint Directive; pertaining to the implementation of Women, Peace and Security and GBA Plus in the Defence Team. To enhance GBA Plus governance within the Defence Team, additional activities included:

• The 2023-24 Direction and Guidance from Commander Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) requiring that new or updated policies and programs be informed by GBA Plus;
• The Chief Information Officer Group (CIO Group) integrated a consistent method for ensuring GBA Plus is embedded in their Business Planning Cycle and;
• Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy (ADM(Pol)) branch's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Focal Point Network was established to provide strategic guidance and a challenge function for GBA Plus within ADM (Pol) policies, protocols and decision making. The Gender and Diversity Advisor collaborates directly with the EDIA Focal Points to ensure a broad range of perspectives are represented and that GBA Plus perspectives are actively integrated throughout the activities and actions undertaken within ADM (Pol).

Capacity

CPCC established an Intersectional Focal Point Network to support the Defence Team's emerging community of practice with expertise in the domains of Women, Peace and Security and GBA Plus; and to share best practices and lessons learned. Canada also launched its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (CNAP-3). The Defence Team's Implementation Plan for CNAP-3 includes specific commitments to advance departmental GBA Plus capacity under Focus Area 5, Leadership and Capabilities.

Important steps have been taken by CPCC's Directorate of Gender Equality and Intersectional Analysis (DGEIA) to decentralize GBA Plus expertise and build capacity across the Defence Team.

• To decentralize and strengthen GBA Plus capacities and expertise across the organization, DGEIA supported Defence Team sub-organizations in developing their 3-year GBA Plus Implementation Plans. These plans detail how branches will develop their own GBA Plus capacity and expertise going forward;
• DGEIA worked with CPCC's Director General Professional Conduct and Development (DGPCD) to deliver a new GBA Plus in Defence course to 166 Defence Team members. These sessions included representatives from Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the Canadian Army (C Army) and Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) and;
• A self-directed GBA Plus learning toolkit was developed to support Defence Team learning and capacity building. This toolkit has been designed to teach foundational skills and knowledge on GBA Plus that is tailored to a Defence Team context.

To further strengthen GBA Plus capacity, several organizations within Defence, including the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Army, Assistant Deputy Minister Material (ADM(Mat)), the Royal Canadian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Canada, Canadian Joint Operations Command, and the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre were able to establish and/or staff a Gender Advisor or similar positions in 2023-24.

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

40.75 dedicated staff now provide GBA Plus support for most parts of the Defence Team. As part of the Defence Team roll out of the first phase of its Culture Evolution Strategy, each sub-organization was tasked with creating Intersectional Advisor and Senior Intersectional Advisor positions as a first step towards decentralizing and integrating GBA Plus expertise and capacity across the Defence Team. Unfortunately, ongoing capacity challenges have limited the number of positions filled across the organization and there remain several unfilled positions at the end of fiscal year 2023-24.

Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.1 Operations in Canada

Program goals: The Operations in Canada program aims to detect, deter and defend against threats to or attacks on Canada and assist civil authorities, law enforcement agencies and non-governmental partners in responding to domestic emergencies, including terrorism. This program also includes search and rescue operations.

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits: There is currently insufficient information to know which demographic subsets are impacted.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts

Where applicable, GBA Plus annexes were produced for domestic operations to provide specific context and direction. Special consideration was given to operations impacting Canada's First Nations and Indigenous Peoples. Where possible, the Canadian Ranger programs were used to inform and support incorporation of local and culturally sensitive inputs into operational activities. Intersectional perspectives were applied to domestic Humanitarian and Disaster Relief activities on an informal basis.

GBA Plus data collection plan: This program currently does not have a data collection plan for domestic operations as the majority of the operations stem from Requests for Assistance (RFA). RFA for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support usually follow a disaster or emergency response, and with short notice. When data is available, it is collected as part of the operation, or after the fact, limiting the ability to plan for the collection of disaggregated data. Specific demographic data cannot be collected based on current policy and legislation, which limits data collection efforts and subsequently prevents a comprehensive GBA plus data collection plan. Deployed members are asked to submit anecdotal feedback on their experiences and perceived effect on the local population where domestic operations occur. Data collection for sustained domestic operations (Operation PALACI, Operation LIMPID, Operation NEVUS, Operation NANOOK, and Operation BOXTOP) is limited as these operations have low interaction with Canadian civilians.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.2 Operations in North America

Program goals: The Operations in North America program aims to detect, deter and defend against threats to or attacks on North America in partnership with the United States, including through North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Program objectives include meeting Canada's NORAD obligations.

Target population: All North Americans

Distribution of benefits: There is currently insufficient information to know which demographic subsets are impacted.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

In 2023, Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) participated in NORAD/NORTHCOM/ALASKACOMMAND Women, Peace and Security (WPS) seminars to share lessons learned and national approaches for northern operations.

GBA Plus data collection plan: This program currently does not have a data collection plan. Additional planning and resource allocation, as well as alignment and integration of reporting procedures will be necessary with USNORTHCOM and NORAD to more holistically gauge GBA Plus application and reporting within this unique national/binational military command structure.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: 1.3 International Operations

Program goals: The International Operations program seeks to play a leadership role and/or contribute to international peace. To this effect, the program engages in capacity building to support the security of other nations as well as their ability to contribute to security abroad. Subsequently, this program helps civil authorities and non-governmental partners in responding to international disasters or major emergencies.

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits: There is currently insufficient information to know which demographic subsets are impacted.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: GBA Plus annexes were produced for international operations to provide context and direction. Each international operation incorporates unique GBA Plus considerations to respect the religious and cultural sensitivities of the host nation and operating environment. CJOC's Canada-based Gender Advisor (GENAD) conducted pre-deployment briefings to all Task Force leadership teams which included intersectional perspectives, Canada's WPS focus and CNAP activities, Elsie Initiative awareness, child protection functions, and mitigation and reporting needs for incidents both within the Task Force and any applicable alliance or organization.

Applications of GBA Plus and intersectional perspectives to operational support occurred in Poland, Ukraine, Haiti, the Indo-Pacific, and Latvia.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Data is collected as part of wider operational reporting. Each operation will have different limits or ability to collect and report from within the mission, and ability to focus on non-core data requirements. Where necessary, specific ad-hoc assessments and/or persistent reporting structures were implemented with support from CJOC GENAD and Lessons Learned teams, such as in Operation UNIFIER where the desire for detailed data on Ukrainian recruits increased dramatically in 2023. The CJOC Operational Analysis Section, and J5 Plans section began identifying meaningful data that can be analyzed for impact of the program by gender and diversity.

Core responsibility: Operations

Program name: Program 1.4 Global Engagement

Program goals: The 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 awhile contributing to government of Canada initiatives to advance the WPS agenda.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes: Specific target groups have primarily been women involved in peace and security processes, particularly those serving in their countries' armed forces and defence policy. Secondary target groups have been civil society networks on women in defence in security, where greater engagement and dialogue has been encouraged, including the opportunity to provide input to the development of the Defence Policy Update.

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Other key program impacts: Impacts included successful inclusion of greater consideration of women's needs in United Nations (UN). These impacts were shown through peacekeeping standard equipment, the advancement of the reform of procedures to respond to harassment and sexual misconduct in UN operations and the operationalization of the Elsie partnership with Ghana. The program also supported a keynote address on Women in Peacekeeping at the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meetings.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The GBA Plus Data Collection Plan captured the scale and scope of formal international engagements. The data was collected through records of discussion, formal submissions other reporting mechanisms, and was informed by the previous Global Engagement Strategy.

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.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The information is currently unavailable as the Chief Information Officer Group is undergoing significant structural changes that impact its ability to collect and disaggregate the data needed to integrate GBA Plus substantively in this program and to track its implementation. These structural changes will create significant opportunities to effectively integrate GBA Plus. Currently, the Chief Information Officer Group is creating new tools to track successful completion of GBA Plus-related training to build sufficient internal GBA Plus capacity.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Intersectional perspectives were applied to CAF activities through the deployment of a Gender Adviser (GENAD) to review and optimize the CAF efforts in the application of GBA Plus in operations, such as Operation LUMEN.

GBA Plus data collection plan: This program currently does not have a data collection plan.

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 also aims to optimize the added value of intersectionality through the integration of a GBA Plus approach to policy making and special operations planning.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) made continuous efforts to use an intersectional lens towards inclusion and diversity across many demographic groups that will have many benefits, both operationally and institutionally.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: CANSOFCOM personnel integrated Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) intersectional perspectives into planned operations and exercises. The integration of GBA Plus intersectional perspectives has increased CANSOFCOM understanding of the effects of operations on vulnerable groups, improved situational and cultural awareness, and ensured cognition of the gender considerations that support mission success.

GBA Plus data collection plan: CANSOFCOM used applicable data from lessons learned and after-action reports for deployed operations. Where applicable, the data enabled consideration of GBA Plus and Women, Peace and Security agenda factors in operations planning and to further refine and improve data collection and analysis.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.1 Strategic Command and Control

Program goals: This program generates, sustains and renews effective special operations forces and capabilities that are ready for operations. It includes GBA Plus as part of all its key planning initiatives as well as within the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Orders. It also provides the Force Employers with the direction required to conduct GBA Plus.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Distribution of benefits: Since operations are executed by other bodies of command, the benefits are not visible for the planning teams.

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: GBA Plus have been successfully conducted through the planning of all Canadian Armed Forces operations. Conclusions from GBA Plus have been systematically considered in estimates and Strategic Operation Planning Groups. Findings were also considered in all Chief of Defence Staff/ Deputy Minister Directives and Chief of Defence Staff Task Orders. Most of the operations were the continuation of previous planning cycles and took place around the world. Over FY 2023-24, Strategic Joint Staff (SJS) planned new operations in Haiti, informed by the demographic portrait of the local populations.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The impact of this program is monitored and assessed by those commands and groups within the Defence Team charged with the program's delivery. A system of after-action reports and lessons observed informs similar planning processes for future operations and activities of this program. Information and data are distributed across relevant teams, but SJS does not have a formal data collection plan as information is mostly obtained through intelligence-related products.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.2 Ready Naval Forces

Program goals: The Ready Naval Forces program generates, sustains and renews effective and combat-ready naval forces through the removal of barriers to inclusion and employment.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: The program developed recruiting strategies to address the significant decrease of Employment Equity Group members at the senior rank levels. Strategies include ensuring representation of Equity Group members in all recruiting material and activities. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is actively identifying and removing intersectional barriers to employment, training opportunities and promotion to enable a diverse representation across all levels of the Defence Team.

Key program impact statistics

Other key program impacts: The RCN progressed an "Integrated Messing" study, which included GBA Plus, with Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis. The concept is to implement a space onboard in which members of any gender can be accommodated, allowing positions to be staffed based on the most qualified member rather than based on gender, and to create a space in which gender diverse members feel comfortable.

The first summer the Youth Employment Program was held in conjunction with the Africadian Empowerment Academy. This program introduced young Nova Scotians of African descent to several different trades. The RCN also continued its deliberate efforts to recruit from Employment Equity Group members through initiatives, such as participation at the Wije'winen Indigenous Career Fair, the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre or Women In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The RCN will continue tracking GBA Plus implementation on all new and updated RCN policies, programs and projects. The implementation of networks for Gender Advisors, Intersectional Analysts and Culture Evolution Coordinators will help inform who is impacted by initiatives and allow GBA Plus to be better implemented and tracked.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

* The methodology underlying this indicator changed between FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 making it difficult to comment on annual differences in results. The current methodology will be maintained for subsequent years. Other key program impacts: GBA Plus has been applied to all training programs including the Black Bear program, which is aimed at Indigenous peoples. The Canadian Army also incorporated GBA Plus into training:

• The Army Operation Course includes a briefing on the topic of GBA Plus. During the final exercise, a role player acts as the Division Gender Advisor and students are encouraged to use this advisor during their planning, and;
• GBA Plus knowledge is included in the Professional development for officers - Development Period 1, as part of the Canadian Army mandated training package.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The Canadian Army created a GBA Plus network to allow for collection of data to guide GBA Plus integration efforts.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: In FY 2023-24, the RCAF began to grow its capacity to conduct high quality GBA Plus across various systems and processes in support of force generation of ready air and space forces.

The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) contract requires GBA Plus considerations be addressed during design, development, implementation and throughout the management of the Program. Furthermore, a study conducted by Defence Research and Development Canada, and sponsored by FAcT, addresses anthropometric considerations for the program.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The Royal Canadian Air Forces (RCAF) are in the initial stages of developing a plan for improved monitoring and evaluation of program outputs from a GBA Plus perspective. Efforts are underway to understand where monitoring and evaluation is required and how GBA Plus reporting can be achieved in an efficient manner, including identifying data-related support required from other Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) organizations.

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 that are ready for operations. 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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: CANSOFCOM has made continuous efforts to use an intersectional lens towards inclusion and diversity across many demographic groups that are expected to have many benefits, both operationally and institutionally.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: CANSOFCOM used previous GBA Plus findings to enhance recruitment efforts. This included having gender representation at recruiting events.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Efforts are ongoing to develop ways to closely monitor GBA Plus outcomes for equipment and personnel readiness.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

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

Program goals: The Ready Cyber Forces 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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The information is currently unavailable as the Chief Information Officer Group is undergoing significant structural changes that impact its ability to collect and disaggregate the data needed to integrate GBA Plus substantively in this program and to track that implementation. These structural changes will create significant opportunities to better integrate GBA Plus. Currently, the Chief Information Officer Group is exploring the development of tools to track successful completion of GBA Plus-related training to build sufficient internal GBA Plus capacity.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.8 Ready Joint and Combined Forces

Program goals: The Ready Joint and Combined Forces program prepares force elements that can operate jointly across all environments and domains and, in some cases, combined and interoperable with allies and/or domestic organizations.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Other Key Program Impacts: Where necessary, training requirements for deploying CAF members was facilitated by Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) through their training, planning and Canada-based Gender Advisor (GENAD) teams. CJOC worked with internal partners such as the Peace Support Training Centre, Canadian Joint Warfare Centre, Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security. Collaboration with external national partners included the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations to identify training opportunities and improvements to supporting GBA Plus and Canada's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

GBA Plus data collection plan: This program currently does not have a data collection plan. Similar to international operations (program 1.3), military exercises vary in size, scope, intention and usually involve contributing or partnering with other nations.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.9 Ready Health, Military Police and Support Forces

Program goals: This program provides continuous support to CAF members in the areas of health and wellness. Gender and diversity perspectives are applied to improve data collection and monitoring in order to enable leadership to make effective decisions for Chaplain and health services.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: This program continues to make improvements to their systems and standards to mitigate and remove barriers faced by underrepresented groups such as women, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, plus (2SLGBTQI+), Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, black and/or racialized group member. Men still represent a significant proportion of the demographic for this specific program.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

GBA Plus data collection plan: In 2023, data collection initiatives for the program were implemented or strengthened for the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, An initiative implemented in FY 2022-23 relating to capturing statistics on insights into the issues encountered by chaplains when providing services was ongoing during FY 2023-24. For the Canadian Forces Health Services, GBA Plus was used to plan improvements to gender and diversity data collection, specifically regarding women's health.

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 to meet training and readiness requirements are made available. The Defence Team continued to use GBA Plus to identify potential deficiencies in equipment and to improve design elements.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: The Diversity and Inclusion team has developed a Culture Evolution Strategy Implementation Timeline which outlines key actions for the Assistant Deputy Minister Materiel (ADM(Mat)) Group over the next three years. Some of the key actions include building a repository of key documents around procurement and GBA Plus processes currently being used in the ADM(Mat) Group, as well as conduct an audit of actions to determine areas of growth.

At the time of this initiative's development, information and focus regarding equipment user perspectives was not tracked or considered part of GBA Plus. It is the intent of the Cultural Evolution Strategy to work with the procurement teams to support them in including this level of detail in their GBA Plus reviews and ensuring there is the ability to report in the future.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: In FY 2023-24, several initiatives were put into place to close gaps identified using GBA Plus:

• Conducted a GBA Plus for the Halifax Class Sustainment program budget proposal. The analysis determined that shipyards are actively hiring more women in the trades sector;
• The reimbursement to members for specific items being procured to accommodate their needs, such as leakproof underwear, field urination devices and nursing shirts; and
• Provision of religious headwear and modification of the Distinct Environmental Uniforms to fit the needs of female Muslim CAF members.

GBA Plus data collection plan: All procurement projects continued to document and maintain a record of GBA Plus in fiscal FY 2023-24. This includes data collected throughout all phases of the project, consultations undertaken, findings and issues identified, options considered and proposed, and details on how GBA Plus has informed the design and implementation of the project. This data was incorporated into all project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. DND/CAF strengthened GBA Plus data collection processes by staffing a dedicated GBA Plus Project Support position.

Core responsibility: Ready Forces

Program name: 2.11 Canadian Forces Liaison Council and Employer Support

Program goals: The Employer Support program aims to enhance the availability of members of the Reserve for military duties by obtaining the support and cooperation of employers and educators in Canada. GBA Plus has been deliberately considered and no barriers in accessing the Employer Support services were identified.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts:

In FY 2023-24, the Reserve Employer Assistance Program received 49 requests for assistance, with 36 (73%) coming from male reservists and 13 (27%) from female reservists. Additionally, the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program approved 46 applications, of which 35 (76%) were associated with male reservists and 11 (24%) with female reservist employees.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Work is underway to develop meaningful performance indicators to quantify the success of this program. Notably, the Canadian Armed Forces Exit Survey (CAF STAR) will include a series of questions to measure voluntary releases attributable to unresolved conflicts with civilian employers and educators. Since the survey already collects demographic and identity data, this will allow for better capture of the impacts of the program on different groups.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.1 Recruitment

Program goals: This program supports the targeted recruitment of women to increase their representation in the Canadian Armed Forces and to modernize recruitment efforts. This program uses disaggregated data to track recruitment and development objectives, with the aim of increasing recruitment overall, and the recruitment of women and diverse members, specifically.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes: While the number of men recruited into the military is greater than women (15.51% vs 84.49% for 2023-24), recruitment is focused on increasing the number of women, black and/or racialized people, and Indigenous persons. As such, these three groups are more likely to be the beneficiaries of the efforts stemming from this program.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

GBA Plus data collection plan: Canadian Forces Recruiting Group uses a self-identification form as the standardized data collection method for gender (man/woman) and diversity as part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) enrolment process.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.2 Individual Training and Professional Military Education

Program goals: This program ensures Canadian Armed Forces members possess a systematic and specialized body of military knowledge and skills acquired through education and training. Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) informs the Canadian Armed Forces professional development system to improve training and education, inform the development of qualification standards, and monitor and improve student well-being.

Target population: Department of National Defence (DND)/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Canadian Armed Forces students, women, men, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, plus (2SLGBTQI+) personnel, Indigenous Peoples, black and/or racialized communities are the most impacted groups by this program. Statistics on gender representation for the individual learning institutions are available and can be found in the table below. Disaggregated data for underrepresented members is currently not available, but the program initiatives and impacts represent a benefit for these groups.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: The Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) advanced a GBA Plus lessons learned webinar as well as GBA Plus training for CDA leadership and directors. A contractor conducted a GBA Plus of the Canadian Military Colleges' Physical Performance Test. The final report made recommendations to ensure unbiased outcomes and to mitigate risks to both students and the institution.

The Canadian Forces Colleges began a review of the core and stream courses of the Joint Command and Staff Program to mainstream GBA Plus into its curriculum. Other learning opportunities were provided through lectures and guest speakers to increase GBA Plus awareness and capacity.

Supplementary information sources: The Canadian Military Journal published a special issue in the summer of 2023 on Transforming Military Cultures (Vol. 23, No. 3).

GBA Plus data collection plan: Through the Gender Advisor/Gender Focal Point Network, efforts are being made to understand, identify, and create value-added processes to collect, analyze, evaluate, and monitor new and existing data. The Royal Military College of Canada, the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, the Canadian Forces College, and the Osside Institute are currently collecting disaggregated data on their student population upon enrollment into the institution as well as exit surveys with the intent of optimizing student experience of both their respective programs and the learning environment.

A Canadian Military College (CMC) Student Experience, Health, and Well-being Survey was developed in direct response to the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR; Arbour Report), Recommendation 29. The survey was first administered in the Spring of 2023 to students from both CMCs to better understand the lived experiences across diverse student populations. Preliminary high-level results were collated and disseminated in Winter 2023. The survey is intended to be administered annually.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.3 Total Health Care

Program goals: The Total Health Care program supports Canadian Armed Forces member health and service access. It continues to develop and improve on the areas of women and diverse members health needs, applying GBA Plus to better enable data collection and analysis of services, programs, and initiatives overall.

Target population: Canadian Armed Forces members

Specific demographic group outcomes: While men continue to represent the majority population in the Canadian Armed Forces, the intent of the program lends itself to providing benefits to the following groups as well: women, 2SLGBTQI+, persons with disabilities or health issues, black and/or racialized communities, and Indigenous Peoples.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Through 2023-24, an initial capability to provide educational resources for CAF clinicians and for CAF members (research dependent) was developed. A webpage for Women and Diversity Health (Women and Diversity Health | Information for CAF Members | Health Services | MPC (mil.ca)) (accessible only on the National Defence network) featuring a plethora resources was also established.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The data collection plan for this program is currently a work in progress. The next iteration of the CAF Health Survey will integrate women and diversity variables to better inform the initiatives of the program. Specific measures will include:

• % of CAF women with access to best-practice care in the domains of sexual and reproductive health;
• Health surveillance to establish percent of CAF women with access to best-practice care in the domains of sexual and reproductive health;
• % of women utilising fitness classes developed to support women;
  • Annual usage rates of fitness classes developed to support women; and
• Number of research/ health surveillance studies (internally or externally) supporting clinical, occupational or deployment health needs of CAF women and diverse members.

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

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: While demographic group outcomes are not monitored in the form of data for this program, this program benefits all members of the Defence Team, inclusive of gender groups (women, men, and gender-diverse). Within the program, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) provides support services to those directly or indirectly affected by sexual misconduct. The distribution of program benefits is assumed to be gender-balanced, with no significant income distributional impacts or inter-generational impacts. It is acknowledged that some traditionally underserved population groups may face barriers to accessing support services.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: Several data collection initiatives took place during FY 2023-24, such as:

• The addition of data fields to Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) Policy Tracker used by policy analysts and the policy management team to track the status of where policies are in the process. The policy tracker is used to collect information for GBA Plus for policy instruments that are updated when CMP policies are either "In Development" or "Under Review";
• The SMSRC collected GBA Plus data to monitor and report on program impacts by gender and diversity. This includes:
  • Voluntary demographic data from Restorative Engagement program participants and Defence representatives;
  • Demographic data from clients of the Independent Legal Assistance program;
  • Voluntary demographic data from those who access the 24/7 Support Line and the Response and Support Coordination program;
  • The third Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (SSMCAF), conducted by Statistics Canada between October 2022 to January 2023, provided additional demographic data to guide SMSRC initiatives and;
  • In 2023-24, SMSRC began analyzing the SSMCAF 2022 results to inform future initiatives.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.5 Military Transition

Program goals: Military Transition Program supports the needs of members and their families as they transition out of the military and into civilian life. GBA Plus is conducted on all new policies and programs and the application of intersectional analysis supports service improvements, ensuring the needs of all members are being met.

Target population: Canadian Armed Forces members

Specific demographic group outcomes: While men, being the majority of the Canadian Armed Forces population, benefit most from this program, it serves all personnel. This includes different genders, the 2SLGBTQI+ community, black and/or racialized members, persons with disabilities or health issues, and Indigenous Peoples. The program also considers factors like rank, occupation, and years of service through an intersectional lens.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: The CAF Transition Group currently incorporates GBA Plus in all Military Transition policies, programs, and services, to ensure equitable support is provided for all transitioning CAF members, with particular emphasis on injured or ill members, families, and Veterans. To assist with the GBA Plus, a CAF Transition Group Gender Advisor has been assigned to review all polices, programs and initiatives to ensure equitable representation of its members and their families.

GBA Plus data collection plan: GBA Plus is used to continuously improve the program performance evaluations, policies and services. Monthly reports on military transition to civilian life include a dedicated section for sociodemographic variables to obtain a better understanding of the diverse needs of the members who have reached a point of release. The CAF Transition Group also made progress in developing data collection and reporting capabilities related to the new Military-to-Civilian service model, which was officially rolled-out in FY 2023-24.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.6 Military Member and Family Support

Program goals: The program provides a wide range of resources related to wellness and family services. GBA Plus is used to support the development of tools and resources to meet the needs of diverse members and their families.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes

The specific demographic groups most impacted by the program are women, men, and youth, as these groups can include spouses or partners of the military members, parents of military members, the military members themselves, as well as their dependents. Some statistics on service use can be found in the table below.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts:

Military Family Services (MFS) GBA Plus Working Group

The working group offered reviews from a GBA Plus lens for MFS and Personnel Support Program (PSP) teams on policies, programs, and initiatives to enhance capacity within the requesting team and provide objective external feedback.

Gender-based Violence Portfolio

Delivered in 2023-24, the annual Healthy Relationships Campaign focused on separations and the ending of relationships, thereby highlighting the diverse experience of military families. The Healthy Relationships Campaign portrays a range of military couples and continues to embed a GBA Plus lens through the development of new content.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Data collection was enhanced in 2023-24 through the Penelope Client Relationship Management. The Penelope team increased the accuracy, relevance and quality of the data they collect, which includes data about gender and age. They completed the implementation of their data collection program with Family Information Line and Military Family Resource Centres, and added new teams (Gender-Based Violence and Child Care Program Office).

Core responsibility: Defence Team

Program name: 3.7 Military History and Heritage

Program goals: The Military History and Heritage program shares Canada's military history and traditions and highlights Canadian military expertise and values. Through disaggregated data tracking and consultation with the diverse groups, this program continues to provide oversight and guidance on appearance, badges, honours, and recognition.

Target population: Canadian public, DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Men are the majority recipients of the Order of Military Merit (see statistics below), which reflects their significant representation in the Canadian Armed Forces population. The program also impacts women, Indigenous members, Black and/or racialized community members, and 2SLGBTQI+ community members, although data for underrepresented members for merit appointments is not currently tracked.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: In 2023-24, more diverse nominations have been received for the Meritorious Service Decorations. As part of the Canadian Armed Forces badge creation and approval process, Director History and Heritage now reviews proposed designs and assesses them through a GBA Plus lens. Integration of GBA Plus within this process for Director History and Heritage is new and still in the initial stages of implementation.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The Directorate of Honours and Recognitions does not engage in data collection and analysis itself for all honours and as such, there are no plans for developing or improving data collection and analysis tools for a program measure to assess the impact of the program on gender and diversity in the future. At the end of each year, the Directorate requests and receives a report with disaggregated demographic data on Canadian Armed Forces members to inform Order of Military Merit targets for the following year. The Directorate collects and monitors disaggregated data on gender for the Order of Military Merit Appointments to ensure targets set by the Advisory Council are met. The Directorate cannot collect data on other diversity groups, as they are not recorded in the Canadian Armed Forces Human Resources System of record.

There is no specific data collection plan in place for the GBA Plus done on badges and other insignia. However, analyses conducted are documented and stored for future reference.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not provided

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is no GBA Plus data collection plan in place for this program. In 2023-24, the OJAG worked on the update of its Military Justice System Performance Monitoring Framework (MJS-PMF) to reflect the changes to the military justice system that are a result of Bill C-77. The MJS-PMF will be programmed into the Justice Administration and Information Management System so that, upon its implementation in 2025, it can begin reporting objective data that will support the JAG in his military justice superintendent statutory role.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel, former DND/CAF Personnel, Cadets, Junior Canadian rangers, CAF Applicants

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not provided

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not provided

GBA Plus data collection plan: The Office has continued to improve their data collection methods to assess the impacts on diversity and gender. Building on what has been done in previous years, constituents who submit a complaint were offered the opportunity to complete a voluntary survey to provide GBA Plus and diversity related information. However, the Office does not yet have a high enough sample size to measure and assess the data on hand. The Office is aiming to accurately analyze diversity data in the upcoming FY.

Core responsibility: Defence Team

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

Program goals: Cadets and Junior Canadians Rangers Group (CJCR Gp) offer Canadian youth a physically challenging, mentally stimulating, structured environment that promotes community and environmental responsibility as well as personal health and well-being. National Defence is committed to expanding the reach of these important programs.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not Available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: Several initiatives were rolled out in 2023-24 to improve existing directives and support the creation of inclusive spaces for Cadets:

• Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Interim Guidance on Gender Inclusion (006/03): Replaced outdated guidance.
• CJCR Gp Order 5001-0, Supervision of Cadets was revised to remove gender-specific supervisory requirements.
• Both the Cadet Program Online Registration Tool and the FORTESS Human Resources System saw updates to the terminology used in the field "Sex" to read "Sex assigned at Birth" and the addition of an optional "gender" field.
• The creation of CJCR Gp Cadet and Adult National Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Groups with advisors representing each of the Employment Equity groups.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Updates were made in 2023-24 to the Entry and Exit surveys that are completed by cadets enrolling in the program and leaving it. These changes aim to improve the data collection for this program by adding a GBA Plus lens to it. These updates include:

• Addition of a new optional field entitled 'Gender'.
• Update to the name of the current "Sex" field. The new field is entitled "Sex Assigned at Birth".

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is currently no Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) data collection plan in place for this program. Although Chief Force Development (CFD) incorporates GBA Plus in the decision-making products generated for Commands and Group Principal Organizations. CFD currently has limited capability to collect sufficient data to monitor or report on program impacts by gender and diversity.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.2 Naval Force Development

Program goals: The Royal Canadian Navy conducts, applies, and monitors GBA Plus findings and conclusions to decision-making for shipbuilding and other maritime equipment acquisitions and materiel support activities.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: The future fleet has prioritized GBA Plus in the options analysis and design process with a view to ensuring that ships constitute an inclusive environment in which to live and work. The River Class employs an outside agency which specializes in human factors integration to conduct GBA Plus of its design.

GBA Plus data collection plan: RCN continues to ensure GBA Plus implementation on all new and updated RCN policies, programs, and projects. Current and future projects will be held accountable to include the tracking of feedback from users within the GBA Plus monitoring and implementation phase using feedback loop processes already in place.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: The Canadian Combat Uniform Ensemble, otherwise known as the operational clothing part of the Soldier Operational Clothing and Equipment Modernization initiative, continued throughout FY 2023-24 to examine uniforms that are most suitable for the female build. GBA Plus factors and observations were considered and incorporated throughout the planning and prototyping cycles of development allowing for a more suitable product. Feedback indicated improved fit which was designed for typical female morphology and significantly improved personal comfort and overall performance.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Not available

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

In 2023-24, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) integrated GBA Plus into every Defence project under RCAF's area of responsibility, as required by Treasury Board.

GBA Plus data collection plan: The RCAF is still in initial stages of developing a plan for improved monitoring and evaluation of program outputs from a GBA Plus perspective as part of their GBA Plus Implementation Plan. Efforts are underway to understand where monitoring and evaluation is required and how GBA Plus reporting can be achieved in an efficient and effective manner, including identifying data-related support required from other DND/CAF organizations.

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 during Defence operations, activities or services. The integration of GBA Plus within the procurement process provides an enhanced intersectional understanding of the varied requirements for all members.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes

Through 2023-24, Canadian Special Forces Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM)'s continued their efforts to integrate intersectional analysis throughout the procurement process with the objective of enabling all demographic groups to be equipped with equipment that meets their unique requirements.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: CANSOFCOM conducted a targeted anthropometric measurement collection to facilitate the design of suit of plates that accommodate multiple curvatures and sizes, thereby ensuring sufficient protection and comfort. In collaboration with CANSOFCOM, the equipment manufacturer started developing a new helmet that enhances adjustability to accommodate different face and head shapes. CANSOFCOM continued implementing solutions to meet sizing requirements of different/various body types across various operating conditions and environments. Female fit options as part of the Cold Weather Layering System project were developed.

GBA Plus data collection plan: CANSOFCOM continued to track all future capability development, research and findings. This enabled both the monitoring of all ongoing Force Development GBA Plus activities and the building of historical data, including baseline and lessons learned.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.6 Cyber and Joint Communication Information Systems 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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not Available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not Available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The information is currently unavailable as the Chief Information Officer Group is undergoing significant structural changes that impact its ability to collect and disaggregate the data needed to integrate GBA Plus substantively in this program, and to track that integration. These structure changes will create significant opportunities to better integrate GBA Plus. Currently, the Chief Information Officer Group is exploring the development of tools to track successful completion of GBA Plus-related training to build sufficient internal GBA Plus capacity.

Core responsibility: Future Force Design

Program name: 4.8 Science, Technology and Innovation

Program goals: The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program has the mandate to invest $1.6 billion in innovations for defence and security over a 20-year period. The IDEaS program continues to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in its day-to-day activities, decisions and partnerships choices.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Supplementary information sources: Department of National Defence Departmental Results Reporting (DRR): These results are also included in the DRR each year. An example of which can be found here: Departmental Results Report 2022-2023 - Canada.ca.

IDEaS formal Program Evaluation: ADM(RS) recently completed a five-year formal review of the IDEaS program. The final report can be found here: Evaluation of the IDEaS Program - Canada.ca.

GBA Plus data collection plan: In 2023-24, the IDEaS program continued to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in its day-to-day activities, decisions, and partnership choices. Specifically, the IDEaS application and evaluation process for proposals continued to include Gender-Based Analysis Plus requirements within its point-rated criterion (PRC-5). Further, the IDEaS program continues to collect data to monitor and report program impacts by various diversity groups.

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 continued to use Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to support the identification of potential deficiencies and to improve design elements.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: The primary beneficiaries of this program are members of the DND/CAF who operate and/or sustain the critical fleets of equipment. While several Employment Equity groups and gender diverse people benefit from this program, the predominant demographic group is Caucasian men between the ages of 18-60. The following demographic groups benefit indirectly through employment in the Defence industry: Men (60%-79%), individuals between 18-60 years of age, students and workers, urban populations, individuals with a broad range of education levels, lower income, middle income. Negative impacts/barriers to access are not expected to affect any groups.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: In 2023-24, the use of GBA Plus helped the Defence Team procure equipment and services that take users' diverse needs into account and improve the efficiency of the process. The Canadian Surface Combatant ship design continued to progress towards build, with GBA Plus considerations continuing through design reviews. A "Discovery or Research Phase" commenced in Fall 2023, which utilizes interviews and HALIFAX Class Ship tours to highlight current concerns with ship design in general as they pertain to GBA Plus.

GBA Plus data collection plan: All procurement projects continued to document and maintain a record of GBA Plus in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24. This includes data collected throughout all phases of the project, consultations undertaken, findings and issues identified, options considered and proposed, and details on how GBA Plus has informed the design and implementation of the project. This data was incorporated into all project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. In FY 2023-24, DND/CAF strengthened GBA Plus data collection processes by staffing a dedicated GBA Plus Project Support position.

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 continued to use GBA Plus to support the identification of potential deficiencies and to improve the design of equipment and services procured for CAF members.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: The primary beneficiaries of this program are members of the DND/CAF who operate and/or sustain the critical fleets of equipment. While several Employment Equity groups and gender diverse people benefit from this program, the predominant demographic group is Caucasian men between the ages of 18-60. The following demographic groups benefit indirectly through employment in the Defence industry: Men (60%-79%), individuals between 18-60 years of age, students and workers, urban populations, individuals with a broad range of education levels, lower income, middle income. Negative impacts/barriers to access are not expected to affect any groups.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: In FY 2023-24, the use of GBA Plus helped the Defence Team procure equipment and services that take users' diverse needs into account and improve the efficiency of the process. For example, the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project finished its bid evaluation process in October 2023 and will soon enter an Acquisition contract with the chosen preferred bidder.

GBA Plus data collection plan: All procurement projects continued to document and maintain a record of GBA Plus in FY 2023-24. This includes data collected throughout all phases of the project, consultations undertaken, findings and issues identified, options considered and proposed and details on how GBA Plus has informed the design and implementation of the project. This data was incorporated into all project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. In FY 2023-24, DND/CAF strengthened GBA Plus data collection processes by staffing a dedicated GBA Plus Project Support position to provide project teams with guidance and support in completing GBA Plus.

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 continued to use GBA Plus to support the identification of potential deficiencies and to improve design elements.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Distribution of benefits

Specific demographic group outcomes: The primary beneficiaries of this program are members of the DND/CAF who operate and/or sustain the critical fleets of equipment. While several Employment Equity groups and gender diverse people and gender diverse people benefit, the predominant demographic group is Caucasian men between the ages of 18-60. The following demographic groups benefit indirectly through employment in the Defence industry: Men (60%-79%), individuals between 18-60 years of age, students and workers, urban populations, individuals with a broad range of education levels, lower income, middle income. Negative impacts/barriers to access are not expected to affect any groups.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: Several initiatives took place in 2023-24 to advance GBA Plus capacity, and improved GBA Plus integration in the program:

• The Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Training Facility in Comox, British Columbia was built to include gender neutral washrooms that accommodate those with disabilities, nursing rooms, and cultural rooms for prayer. Equipment has been designed to accommodate all genders.
• The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System included GBA Plus as a key consideration in infrastructure design.
• The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project has incorporated GBA Plus considerations into the Statement of Requirements for Infrastructure.

GBA Plus data collection plan: All procurement projects continued to document and maintain a record of GBA Plus in FY 2023-24. This includes data collected throughout all phases of the project, consultations undertaken, findings and issues identified, options considered and proposed and details on how GBA Plus has informed the design and implementation of the project. This data was incorporated into all project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. In FY 2023-24, DND/CAF strengthened GBA Plus data collection processes by staffing a dedicated GBA Plus Project Support position to provide project teams with guidance and support in completing GBA Plus.

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The information is currently unavailable as the Chief Information Officer Group is undergoing significant structural changes that impact its ability to collect and disaggregate the data needed to integrate GBA Plus substantively in this program, and to track that integration. These structure changes will create significant opportunities to better integrate GBA Plus. Currently, the Chief Information Officer Group is exploring the development of tools to track successful completion of GBA Plus-related training to build sufficient internal GBA Plus capacity.

Core responsibility: Procurement of Capabilities

Program name: 5.5 Defence Material 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 uses GBA Plus to identify of potential deficiencies and to improve the design of equipment and services procured for Canadian Armed Forces members.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: The primary beneficiaries of this program are members of the DND/CAF who operate and/or sustain the critical fleets of equipment. While several Employment Equity groups and gender diverse people and gender diverse people benefit from this program, the predominant demographic group is Caucasian men between the ages of 18-60. The following demographic groups benefit indirectly through employment in the Defence industry: Men (60%-79%), individuals between 18-60 years of age, students and workers, urban populations, individuals with a broad range of education levels, lower income, middle income. Negative impacts/barriers to access are not expected to affect any groups.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: All procurement projects continued to document and maintain a record of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) in FY 2023-24. This includes data collected throughout all phases of the project, consultations undertaken, findings and issues identified, options considered and proposed and details on how GBA Plus has informed the design and implementation of the project. This data was incorporated into all project documentation and work, including business case analyses and Treasury Board and ministerial submissions. In FY 2023-24, DND/CAF strengthened GBA Plus data collection processes by staffing a dedicated GBA Plus Project Support position to provide project teams with guidance and support in completing GBA Plus.

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 (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) strategies and priorities. This program also includes divestment activities.

Target Population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is currently no GBA Plus data collection plan in place for this program. ADM(IE) has been working on increasing their internal capacity for GBA Plus. They are currently working on the development of an internal network to support GBA Plus work and reporting.

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

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. Each capital construction project implemented conducted GBA Plus to identify intersectionality aspects that could either inform the infrastructure solution or be addressed through its implementation.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Specific demographic group outcomes: The program benefits are limited to DND/CAF employees. There is no anticipated benefits or barriers based on demographics.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

DND adopted an internal policy to provide an equal number of male and female facilities, regardless of the actual population within a building.

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is currently no GBA Plus data collection plan in place for this program. ADM(IE) has been working on increasing their internal capacity for GBA Plus. They are currently working on the development of an internal network to support GBA Plus work and reporting.

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

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.

Target Population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is currently no GBA Plus data collection plan in place for this program. ADM(IE) has been working on increasing their internal capacity for GBA Plus. They are currently working on the development of an internal network to support GBA Plus work and reporting.

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

Program name: 6.4 Defence Residential Housing Program

Program goals: The Defence Residential Housing Program ensures the viability/availability of Canadian Forces Housing Agency providing residential accommodations to enable Canadian Armed Forces operations.

Target population: CAF Members

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The housing program does not currently collect sufficient data to enable/monitor and/or report impacts by gender and diversity. Work is underway as the program engaged with a GBA Plus consultant over FY 2024-25.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Programme Management

Program name: 6.5 Defence Information Technology Services and Programme Management

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

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity : Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The information is currently unavailable as the Chief Information Officer Group is undergoing significant structural changes that impact its ability to collect and disaggregate data needed to integrate GBA Plus substantively in this program, and to track its integration. These structure changes will create significant opportunities to better integrate GBA Plus. Currently, the Chief Information Officer Group is exploring the development of tools to track successful completion of GBA Plus-related training to build sufficient internal GBA Plus capacity and understanding.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Programme Management

Program Name: 6.6 Environmental Sustainability and Protection

Program Goals: The Environmental Sustainability and Protection 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.

Target Population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is currently no GBA Plus data collection plan in place for this program. ADM(IE) has been working on increasing their internal capacity for GBA Plus. They are currently working on the development of an internal network to support GBA Plus work and reporting.

Core responsibility: Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Programme Management

Program Name: 6.7 Indigenous Affairs

Program Goals: The Indigenous Affairs program seeks to promote the alignment of enables 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.

Target Population: DND/CAF Personnel, Indigenous

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is currently no GBA Plus data collection plan in place for this program. ADM(IE) has been working on increasing their internal capacity for GBA Plus. They are currently working on the development of an internal network to support GBA Plus work and reporting.

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

Program name: 6.8 Naval Bases

Program goals: The Naval 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 is leveraged to identify and remove barriers in current infrastructure.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Other key program impacts: Over 2023-24, a number of improvements have been made to the infrastructure of the naval bases. For example, shortcomings with respect to the number and location of expectant parent parking spaces have been addressed, as well as repairs to the ramp access at the gym in Halifax to ensure accessibility requirements are met. Additional work has also progressed with regards to installing service dog stickers for all buildings.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Monitoring will continue to be conducted through maintaining an open dialogue with local Defence Advisory Groups to identify existing barriers and accessibility concerns by tracking initiatives through the Royal Canadian Navy Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council minutes, Defence Advisory Group quarterly meetings with Commanders, and through the Royal Canadian Navy Diversity and Inclusion workflow. Key findings are tracked and shared at Employment Equity Working Groups and are expected to also be further discussed at Culture Evolution Coordinator Working Group meetings.

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

Program name: 6.9 Land Bases

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

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: In 2023-24, as per the Food Services Standards, and to support a more culturally diverse Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) population, the CAF Menu in dining halls across Canadian Army Bases included recipes that were culturally diverse, plant based, and meet several dietary considerations. CAF dietary patterns were met, lacto-ovo vegetarian or vegan entrée choices were made available in the dining halls, regularly.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Not available

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

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 Army, Navy, and Air Force Regular and Reserve formations and units.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: In FY 2023-24 the RCAF continued to designate spaces as lactation rooms and plan for the installation of lactation pods, where no suitable rooms were available. At 14 Wing Greenwood, the need for greater functionality for diverse groups of people and increased accessibility led to the renovation of changerooms and washrooms at the 14 Wing Fitness and Sports Centre. GBA Plus identified need to meet increased demand for all-access spaces, for example fathers bringing children to swimming lessons, individuals with various mobility challenges requiring assistance, and to accommodate gender-diverse individuals.

Supplementary information sources: Function, Inclusion, accessibility motivate F&S Centre improvements

GBA Plus data collection plan: The RCAF is still in initial stages of developing a plan for improved monitoring and evaluation of program outputs from a GBA Plus perspective as part of the GBA Plus Implementation Plan. Efforts are underway to understand where monitoring and evaluation is required and how GBA Plus reporting can be achieved in an efficient and effective manner, including identifying data-related supports required from other DND/CAF organizations.

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

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: This program targets internal members of the Defence Team and not a specific demographic group, hence there are no specific demographic group outcomes for this program.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: The program includes bases both in Canada and abroad and requires consolidated effort to develop comprehensive and all-encompassing GBA Plus data collection plan.

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

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.

Target population: DND/CAF personnel

Specific demographic group outcomes: Due to delays in implementing a directed initiative on intersectional data, the Department is not able to provide specific GBA Plus related outcomes for this Program.

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: Not available

Other Key Program impacts: Not available

Drafting of a Military Police Group Directive related to interactions with Transgender and Non-Conforming Persons (2-351). The Directive was published in December 2023.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Improvements were made pertaining to our policies, and there is continuous work to provide better data to Statistics Canada relating to population groups, victims of crimes, and gender. The military police worked to improve the fidelity of data collected on persons arrested or detained, in compliance with Recommendation 35 of the Judge Fish Independent Recommendation 3. This includes the collection and distribution to Statistics Canada of specific data compliant with the Uniform Crime Reporting Expectations of UCR 2.5.

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

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.

Target population: DND/CAF Personnel

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity: In 2023-24, the Director General Safety has taken key actions to advance the implementation of GBA Plus such as amending the official form used to report hazardous occurrences, consistent with Canada Labour Code. It was updated to provide a more gender-neutral option for those completing the form. Director General Safety has also begun updating and making changes to the content of various websites which are currently gender-based to be more inclusive and adhere to an inclusive and intersectional perspective.

GBA Plus data collection plan: There is no data collection plan in place for this program. Although, the program does not currently provide results from a GBA Plus perspective, it is committed to work toward the implementation of a data collection plan.