2018-2019 Departmental Results Report: Gender-based analysis plus

The Agency conducted gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) on proposals submitted to Cabinet as part of the Memorandum to Cabinet development process. As such, under CEAA 2012, the Agency carried out a GBA+ on the projects that required a Governor-in-Council decision as to whether the significant adverse environmental effects were justified in the circumstances.

The Agency's External Relations and Strategic Policy Sector is the office of primary interest on GBA+ analysis conducted to support Memoranda to Cabinet.

The Agency also participates on an interdepartmental GBA+ committee led by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). The objective of this committee is to facilitate a common understanding of GBA+ and to support its sustainable practice in the federal government. Its activities aim to increase the federal government's GBA+ capacity and expertise; provide a forum for sharing information and best practices; and promote collaboration amongst members to develop GBA+ tools, resources and training.

The Agency actively supports the value of developing a diverse workspace that is inclusive of all cultures and groups, and which more effectively represents larger Canadian society.

The Agency has a GBA+ lead in Strategic Policy and team members in Operations and Cabinet Affairs with GBA+ expertise but not dedicated full-time to GBA+. Collectively, the Agency has one full-time equivalent dedicated to GBA+.

In addition, resources have been invested to develop, deliver and promote GBA+ training for Agency employees.

Major initiatives: results achieved

The scope of ongoing CEAA 2012 assessments for Port Authority projects has been expanded to include analysis of socio-economic impacts, which encompasses GBA+.

The Agency is the lead on the Impact Assessment Act,which requires major projects to include GBA+ as a "factor to be considered" in the assessment of designated projects. GBA+ provides a framework and analytical tools to guide an impact assessment of a project, with the intent of identifying those effects that may disproportionately affect any groups identified in respect of a specific project.

The Agency has developed guidance on the application of GBA+ in the assessment process to support proponents of major projects and meet the legislative requirements of the Impact Assessment Act.

Agency's senior management (Vice-President Policy) participated on a panel at the GBA+ Forum (November 21-22, 2018) highlighting the Agency's work on GBA+ and Impact Assessment.In addition, the Agency held an expert roundtable on GBA+ and Impact Assessment.