Gender-based analysis plus

Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

Polar Knowledge Canada applies a GBA Plus lens to decision-making and prioritizes an approach that focuses on Inuit employment and procurement, and in support of Indigenous self-determination.

Additionally, Polar Knowledge Canada applies a GBA Plus lens to all Treasury Board Submissions, budget submissions, Cabinet documents, and in policy and program architecture and implementation.

Capacity

Polar Knowledge Canada collects disaggregated data on projects supported by its Transfer Payment Programs. The agency collects information from funding recipients through surveys, which helps Polar Knowledge Canada to understand the impacts and results of its funding. The gender disaggregated data collected through these surveys includes reported instances of participation in projects by the following groups: northern-based individuals; Indigenous Peoples; early career researchers; technicians and support staff; and youth.

With respect to Polar Knowledge Canada’s GBA Plus data collection and reporting, the agency is unable to track individual participants. Rather, Polar Knowledge Canada tracks instances of participation, as reported by funding recipients in their project surveys.

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

Polar Knowledge Canada does not have any full-time equivalents dedicated to GBA Plus. However, Polar Knowledge Canada has employees who undertake GBA Plus-related tasks on an as-needed basis. Other employment equity, diversity, and inclusion elements are also considered when reviewing potential transfer payment recipients.

Section 2: Gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core responsibility: Polar Science and Knowledge

Program name: Canadian High Arctic Research Station Operations and Logistics

Program goals: This program maintains the Canadian High Arctic Research Station’s facilities and operations, and provides laboratory, equipment, accommodations, and field operations support to visiting researchers.

GBA Plus data collection plan

1. Does this program collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus)? No
2. The Canadian High Arctic Research Station will explore opportunities to collect GBA Plus data related to its support services.

Program name: Knowledge Management and Engagement

Program goals: This program coordinates funded research and in-kind support to enhance and address knowledge gaps in northern and Indigenous communities. The program establishes systems for capturing and sharing collective knowledge on regional information through collaboration and engagement activities with Northern stakeholders.

GBA Plus data collection plan

1. Does this program collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus)? Yes
2. Knowledge Management and Engagement is exploring ways to integrate gender and diversity reporting into its evaluation framework. This would include the regular review of project outcomes by gender and diversity, allowing for the continuous assessment of program impacts and ensuring that GBA Plus principles are effectively applied in program development and implementation.

To improve accuracy and response rates in its data collection, Polar Knowledge Canada will provide the survey questionnaire to funding recipients at the time of funding transfer to enable them to track the requested metrics throughout the duration of their projects. Additionally, Knowledge Management and Engagement will collaborate with external experts in gender-based analysis and diversity to enhance the quality of data collection methods and provide guidance on best practices for incorporating gender and diversity considerations into knowledge mobilization efforts

Program name: Science and Technology

Program goals: This program aims to anchor a strong research presence in Canada’s Arctic. It focuses on science, monitoring, and technology development and transfer.

GBA Plus data collection plan

1. Does this program collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus)? Yes
2. Data collection methods for transfer payment programs is reviewed periodically to assess any potential modifications that would support enhanced reporting. Polar Knowledge Canada will begin providing the survey questionnaire to funding recipients at the time of funding transfer to enable them to track the requested metrics throughout the duration of their projects, improving accuracy and response rates.