Urgent issues

[ * ] An asterisk appears where sensitive information has been removed in accordance with the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act.

Mode of operations (COVID-19 protocol)

Issue

Canada is in the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of ongoing pandemic management, decisions are required on whether to hold meetings and key events associated with the launch of the 44th Parliament and the Cabinet in-person, virtually or in a hybrid way.

Current status

The COVID-19 pandemic is now in its fourth wave. The big difference from previous waves is that approximately 80 per cent of Canadians over 12 years old have now been vaccinated.

Public health measures continue to require ongoing management of capacity requirements in certain venues, such as Rideau Hall and the Cabinet room.

Special arrangements, including the use of technology, are available so that public health measures can be respected. [ * ]

For the House of Commons, the arrangements for hybrid sittings ended with the dissolution of the 43rd Parliament. It could be possible to reinstate a hybrid posture with all-party support (i.e., unanimous consent) or majority support of MPs.

Transition meetings

The Privy Council Office (PCO) has prepared transition spaces and technology which can accommodate in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings. In order to equip transition team members who will be participating virtually, PCO will require contact information as soon as possible in order to ensure that secure and non-secure technology is quickly provided. Rapid COVID-19 testing can be made available to members of the transition team accessing the transition space.

Swearing-in of Ministry

The decision on logistics for the swearing-in of your new Cabinet will need to take into consideration the public health advice on gatherings at that time. Consideration may need to be given to holding a scaled-down swearing-in ceremony for the new government or holding the ceremony virtually, as was done for the first time at a Cabinet swearing-in on January 12, 2021 following a cabinet shuffle. This swearing-in ceremony was held over Zoom, involved four members of the Ministry and was streamed online for media and the public.

It would be preferable to hold the swearing-in in person in a socially distanced venue at Rideau Hall (consideration could even be given to holding the event outside to facilitate physical distancing between individuals). There is considerable ceremony associated with the swearing-in of a new government that would largely be lost should the event be held as a Zoom call. Furthermore, from a logistical perspective, the ceremony involves the signing of a number of documents by multiple individuals which would be significantly easier to do with everyone in a single location. Holding the ceremony in-person also provides an opportunity for deputy ministers to meet with ministers afterwards, hold early briefing and equip them with information and support, as required; this could be particularly important for new ministers. It should be noted that the recent success of the Governor General’s swearing-in shows what can be accomplished if guest lists are kept ruthlessly short.

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Opening of Parliament / Speech from the Throne

Consideration could be given to holding the Speech from the Throne in person with a limited number of in-person attendees allowed in the Senate chamber, similar to the 2020 Speech from the Throne and the 2021 investiture of the Governor General.

The logistics of the Opening of Parliament in the Senate are coordinated by the Usher of the Black Rod.

Cabinet meetings

As was the case prior to the election, in order to ensure that Cabinet discussions take place in a secure environment, ministers may attend in person or use secure technology.

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Ministers can continue to use secure video technology at any of the 16 Ministers’ Regional Offices and most departments have secure video available to ministers in their departmental office.

A fully in-person Cabinet meeting will likely require that Cabinet be split between two Cabinet Rooms; one at West Block and one at Postal Station B (within the PCO/Prime Minister office (PMO) complex). The two rooms would be connected by secure video. Rapid COVID-19 testing can be made available for ministers attending Cabinet meetings in-person.

Workspace posture for Ministers

Prior to the election, many ministers worked remotely from their constituencies. In order to assist departments and PCO in properly equipping and supporting ministers, an early indication of the anticipated workplace posture for members of your newly formed Cabinet would be beneficial. If ministers will be transitioning from remote work to being in Ottawa, departments will ensure that departmental support and office space is ready for ministers.

Parliament

If public health guidance remains mostly unchanged, consideration should be given to adapting House procedures as long as necessary in the 44th Parliament.

The hybrid sittings conducted in the 43rd Parliament allowed all members to participate fully in House proceedings, while respecting physical distancing.

Videoconference voting and the remote voting application were both successfully implemented to allow members participating virtually to vote.

Following discussions between the Government House Leader and Opposition House Leaders, a decision of the House would be necessary to adopt these or other measures in the 44th Parliament. If agreement were reached with the opposition parties prior to the reopening of Parliament, it might be possible for the House to adopt a motion regarding such measures on the first sitting day.

PCO comment

The launch of your Government’s mandate includes many time-honoured traditions and ceremonies.

The stance that your government takes on these ceremonies and more broadly on conducting business in-person, virtually, or in some hybrid form, will provide an important signal and an opportunity to shift to a ‘new normal’ mode of operating.

While the COVID pandemic is now in its fourth wave, the rate of vaccination is now about 80 per cent of Canadians over 12 years old. In addition, your government has made commitments on a federal vaccine mandate, which should further encourage a return to more of an in-person style as workplaces will provide a level of health and safety protection.

Many of these decisions will require collaboration with the House and Senate administration and Rideau Hall to implement as well as the deployment of PCO personnel and technology across the country. As such, early decisions will enable PCO to provide you the level of service and support required.

Next steps

PCO will work with you and your Transition Team to explore options and timeframes pre swearing-in.

Expiry of COVID emergency support programs

Summary

Issue

Canada’s major support programs for workers and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are scheduled to expire on October 23, 2021.

• For workers, these are the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB), and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), which replaced their predecessor the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Note that individuals who have been receiving CRB benefits continuously since the program’s creation will exhaust their 54 weeks of eligibility after October 9, two weeks before the program’s end-date.
• For business, these are the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), which includes the Lockdown Support.

Decision required

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Background

The CRB was designed as temporary, emergency income support for workers impacted by COVID-19 and who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or have exhausted their EI regular benefits. The CRCB and CRSB provide income support to those who cannot work due to COVID-19 related caregiver responsibilities and sickness, respectively. The initial payment was set at $500 per week for all three programs, but the CRB payment level was reduced in July 2021 to $300 per week for new applicants and for those who have received the benefit for at least 42 weeks at the $500 rate.

Access to all three recovery benefits for workers is set to expire on October 23. In addition, the earliest cohort of CRB beneficiaries (i.e., those who have been receiving benefits continuously since they were introduced in September 2020) is set to exhaust their maximum (54) weeks of eligibility on October 9. Individuals began exhausting their maximum (42) weeks of CRCB eligibility in July 2021, and the CRSB eligibility remains a maximum of four weeks.

For businesses, the CEWS currently provides eligible employers that have experienced a decline in revenues of at least 10 per cent with a wage subsidy for eligible remuneration paid to their employees. The CERS provides direct support to tenants and property owners for rent, mortgage interest, and other eligible property expenses. In addition, the Lockdown Support is available to organizations eligible for the rent subsidy in respect of locations that are significantly affected by a public health order.

The maximum CEWS rate for active employees and the maximum CERS rate are currently set at:

• 40 per cent for August 29 to September 25, 2021; and
• 20 per cent for September 26 to October 23, 2021; and
• the Lockdown Support is set at 25 per cent until October 23, 2021;

Budget 2021 also introduced the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) to help businesses hire workers, with a subsidy of up to 50 per cent of additional eligible salary or wages. This program is available until November 20, 2021.

Current status

Flexibility for extending programs

Budget 2021 enabling legislation extended these measures (i.e., the CEWS, CERS and Lockdown Support for businesses, and the suite of Recovery Benefits for workers) to September 25, 2021. It also provided the government with the option to extend the programs through regulation for up to an additional eight weeks (i.e., until November 20) should the economic and public health situation require it. On July 30, 2021, the government announced it was extending these measures for four additional weeks, until October 23, 2021. Although an additional four-week extension could be put in place through regulations, any further extension beyond November 20 would require new legislative authorities.

Ensuring continued broad access to the CRB would require both an extension of the program end-date and an increase in maximum weeks of eligibility (which is also possible via regulations). This is because the first cohort of CRB recipients that has received benefits continuously since the program’s launch will exhaust their 54 weeks of eligibility for the benefit on October 9, two weeks prior to scheduled program end-date.

Program uptake

There are currently about 1 million CRB recipients, and about 100,000 combined CRSB and CRCB recipients. These figures, particularly the number of CRB recipients, have been fairly stable over the past year. [ * ] 

The CEWS supported roughly 4 million employees’ wages from 225,000 firms in March (i.e., the latest reliable indicator), while data on claims from more recent periods remain incomplete.

Government commitments

Your platform does not commit to either extending worker supports, or letting them expire as scheduled.

While there was no specific mention of extending the CEWS/CERS in your party’s platform, two proposals were announced as potential successor programs/policies:

• An extension of the CRHP until March 31, 2022; and,
• Providing Canada’s tourism industry with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75 per cent of their expenses between October 2021 and May 31, 2022.

PCO comment

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The CRB is divided into two week-eligibility periods and the CRSB and CRCB are divided into one-week eligibility periods. Individuals must apply for each period separately; there is no automatic renewal. It is also possible to apply retroactively, up to 60 days after a given period.

Regarding business support, typically, firms begin applying to receive payments in respect of emergency wage/rent/hiring programs immediately following a benefit period, which are four weeks long, with the CRA issuing payments as early as a few weeks following that period. [ * ]

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Next steps

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Returning the national flag to full-mast

Summary

Issue

The Canadian flag has been at half-mast since May 30, following the discovery of children’s remains at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Decision required

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Background

The Rules for half-masting the national flag of Canada (the Rules) provide for the circumstances when the flag will be flown at half-mast on federal buildings in Canada and abroad. The Rules include a provision that allows the Prime Minister to exercise discretionary authority in exceptional circumstances.

On May 30, following the discovery of children’s remains at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, you exercised your discretionary authority to half-mast flags on the Peace Tower and on all federal buildings until further notice (and subsequently decided to return to full-mast at sunrise on October 1). Flags have remained at half-mast since then. According to available records, the duration of this half-masting by far exceeds any other since 1867.

Consultations on when to return the flag to full-mast have been undertaken with Indigenous communities and National Indigenous Organizations. [ * ]

Current status

The national flag of Canada continues to fly at half-mast on all federal buildings, including the Peace Tower. Immediately prior to the election, you directed that it continue to be flown at half-mast until the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which will be observed for the first time on September 30, after which time it would be returned to full-mast.

PCO comment

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Next steps

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Supporting refugees from Afghanistan

Summary

Issue

The Taliban took control in Afghanistan on August 15 and this has presented numerous challenges for Canada and the international community. The Government of Canada has provided international assistance to respond to the crisis and has put policies and programs in place to resettle those who supported Canadian activities in Afghanistan, as well as vulnerable populations. Currently, the demand to access these programs far outstrips the number of refugee spaces Canada has publicly committed to and funded.

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Background

Canada’s overall priorities relating to Afghanistan are: (1) to provide safe passage from Afghanistan to third countries for Canadians, foreign nationals and Afghans; (2) to contribute to international efforts to counter terrorism activities tied to Afghanistan; (3) to mitigate the effects of the developing humanitarian and refugee crisis; and (4) to continue to advocate for inclusive governance and human rights.

As the political and security situations were deteriorating in Afghanistan in July and August of 2021, Canadian officials implemented Special Immigration Measures for those who supported Canadian efforts in Afghanistan and have a significant and enduring relationship with Canada (e.g., Locally Engaged Staff at Canada’s Embassy in Afghanistan, as well as former interpreters and other individuals who supported Canada’s military and development efforts in Afghanistan). Additional programming was also developed to provide support to members of vulnerable communities seeking to come to Canada as refugees.

The Government of Canada has publicly committed to bringing up to 20,000 Afghan refugees to Canada over two years. There are two different programs that contribute to this commitment, which actually totals 24,800 individuals. First, existing resources have been dedicated to support up to 9,800 individuals entering Canada as Government Assisted Refugees under the Special Immigration Measures which is available to individuals with an enduring relationship to Canada (e.g., translators who assisted Canada in its mission in Afghanistan). Additionally, Canada committed new funding to allow up to 15,000 vulnerable individuals (e.g., persecuted religious minorities, human rights advocates, LGBTQ2+ individuals) to come to Canada over two years through the Humanitarian Resettlement Measures, including as Government Assisted and Blended Visa Officer-Referred Refugees and as Privately Sponsored Refugees.

Current status

Reports indicate there could be upwards of 500,000 Afghan refugees seeking new homes and this has created significant demand for opportunities to come to Canada as refugees, both under the Special immigration Measures and Humanitarian Resettlement Measures.

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In addition to resettlement efforts, Canada announced an initial allocation of $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. This new funding came from Canadian international assistance resources and is in addition to the $27.3 million in humanitarian assistance already allocated to Afghanistan in 2021. Canada is working with trusted humanitarian partners, such as the World Food Programme, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver assistance both in Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries.

PCO comment

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Consultations with domestic and international partners will be an essential part of Canada’s way forward on this file. Engagement with provinces and territories, local organizations, and refugee partners will be needed to assess their capacity to support an increase in Canada’s ambition to resettle vulnerable Afghans.

The time period over which Afghan refugees are brought to Canada is an important consideration, as there would be significant logistical challenges associated with the current commitment of 20,000 refugees, particularly over a short period of time rather than over a longer period such as three years or more. [ * ]

The UN recently launched a flash appeal worth over $606 million to address immediate humanitarian needs in Afghanistan (for September to December 2021), and was successful in mobilizing more than $1 billion for people in Afghanistan and the broader regional response. Additional appeals can be expected into 2022, given the scale of needs in Afghanistan due to the impacts of the conflict, COVID-19, drought, and other factors. Should GAC require additional financial resources to respond to appeals this fiscal year (2021-22), there remains $83 million in the International Assistance Envelope Crisis Pool, and $65 million in the International Assistance Envelope Strategic Priorities Fund.

Next steps

IRCC will develop options for revising the target number of refugees to be captured under the Special Immigration Measures and Humanitarian Resettlement Measures, while GAC will assess the humanitarian support to be provided to Afghanistan. [ * ] In addition, consultations with local, provincial, territorial, and international stakeholders will be required in order to successfully implement any new or additional measures. PCO will schedule an early briefing to provide a status update and frame future decisions that will be required in the near term.

Annex: Additional considerations

Along with considerations related to bringing refugees to Canada, other principal areas of engagement for Canada are as follows:

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International travel / summits

Summary

Issue

Your international travel and engagement in fall 2021.

Decision required

Your decisions to participate in a number of in-person and virtual international meetings will be urgently required.

Background

There are several international travel and engagement opportunities for you to consider in fall 2021. Events that would potentially require international travel, depending on the circumstances, include the following events:

• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), High-Level Week (New York, United States): September 21-30, 2021 (in-person or virtual) – Canada has been provisionally scheduled to speak on September 25 which would be the anchor for your travel if you choose to attend in person
• G20 Leaders’ Summit (Rome, Italy): October 30-31, 2021 (in-person)
• United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) (Glasgow, United Kingdom): October 31 – November 12, 2021 (in-person) – Leaders’ segment on November 1-2, 2021, immediately following the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rome
• Sommet de la Francophonie (Djerba, Tunisia): November 20-21, 2021 (in-person)

In addition to these in-person events, the following international summits will likely be held in virtual format in fall 2021:

• Global COVID-19 Summit (United States): September 22, 2021 – Signature initiative of U.S. President Biden to mobilize support for set of ambitious policy and financial commitments; as invitations have only just been extended, confirmed participation of other leaders is not yet known.
• G20 Extraordinary Leaders’ Meeting on Afghanistan: September 28, 2021
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit (virtual): October 26-28, 2021 – Canada is not a member of ASEAN but the Prime Minister has received invitations in recent years to participate as the Guest of the Chair
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (New Zealand): Week of November 8, 2021; date TBC
• Paris Peace Forum (France): November 11-13, 2021
• Leaders’ Summit for Democracy (United States): December 8-9, 2021

The Governor General will be travelling to the following event, [ * ]

• Frankfurt Bookfair (Frankfurt, Germany): October 19, 2021 (in-person)

Current status

As the Prime Minister usually attends the G20 Leaders’ Summit and leaders’ level international climate change conferences to advance Canada’s international agenda, planning for your travel to Rome and Glasgow in late October and early November 2021 is underway.

The Governor General has been asked to represent Canada at the Frankfurt Bookfair, but a [ * ]

PCO comment

In-person engagements in the fall and winter of 2021 represent significant opportunities to advance important Canadian interests, both as a result of the substantive issues advanced during the summits, and the opportunities they provide to engage bilaterally with a wide range of foreign leaders over a short period of time.

Canadian prime ministers have occasionally attended UNGA High-Level Week. Your participation this year may be challenging given the proximity with the election date. A provisional speakers list has you scheduled to deliver Canada’s national statement on the morning of Saturday, September 25, though a pre-recorded statement could also be delivered.

Both the G20 and COP26 represent unique opportunities to advance key Canadian interests and engage with a large number of foreign leaders.

Canada is an active participant and leader within La Francophonie and the Prime Minister usually attends the summit if possible. [ * ] PCO recommends that a decision be taken in October 2021.

Participation in virtual events requires far less planning and financial expenditure, and decisions can be taken closer to the event. The most pressing decision is the virtual Global COVID-19 Summit on September 22, which is an opportunity to highlight Canada’s support to the global response to COVID-19. The G20 Extraordinary Leaders’ Meeting on Afghanistan will take place on September 28, and given Canada’s active leadership and significant refugee resettlement commitments, represents an important opportunity to continue to shape the international response to the crisis in Afghanistan. Canadian prime ministers have participated in all Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ meetings since 1993, there are compelling reasons to consider participating in this year’s ASEAN Summit if invited. The Leaders’ Summit for Democracy is a signature priority of U.S. President Biden, although few details about this summit are available at this time.

PCO is supportive of a Governor General State Visit to Germany. [ * ] This will be the new Governor General’s first major international engagement, a timely decision on a State Visit will position her for success and allow our German hosts the courtesy of being able to properly plan and deliver a visit of this nature.

Next steps

Officials will coordinate with your office to discuss your attendance at pressing international engagements.

Enbridge Line 5 – Michigan dispute

Summary

Issue

The State of Michigan has taken steps to revoke the 1953 easement that authorizes Enbridge to operate Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac (the “Order”), citing alleged violations of the easement agreement by Enbridge in operating Line 5 at the Straits of Mackinac over the years. A shutdown of Line 5 would significantly affect Canada’s economy and energy security, and implicates the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.

Line 5 is a critical energy and economic link between Canada and the United States (U.S.), and is critical in ensuring energy security in Canada and in the U.S. Preliminary estimates show a cost to Canada from a Line 5 shutdown on the order of tens of billions of U.S. dollars in the first five years. The pipeline supplies six refineries in Ontario and Quebec, representing, respectively, half and two-thirds of all oil consumed in the two provinces. Alberta and Saskatchewan estimate that a Line 5 closure could displace up to 400,000 barrels per day of Canadian crude oil, leaving that volume to find alternative transportation (mainly by rail) or at risk of being shut in. Line 5 is also the only pipeline that delivers natural gas liquids to a specialized facility in Sarnia, Ontario that produces 83 per cent of all propane used by households and industry in Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

Line 5 feedstock supplies Michigan’s state’s refinery, is the source of more than half of Michigan’s propane, and heats thousands of homes and businesses. It is also the source of most of the jet fuel at the Detroit Metro Airport. According to Michigan’s Oil and Gas Association, Line 5’s closure could jeopardize up to 47,000 direct and indirect jobs connected to Michigan’s small energy producers and tens of thousands of indirect jobs. Notwithstanding the potential negative economic and energy security repercussions, to date American or Michigan stakeholders have not mounted significant efforts to advocate against shutdown of Line 5.

There are three ongoing legal proceedings involving Michigan and Enbridge, two in state court and a third in federal court (the “Whitmer Litigation”). A court process is currently underway to determine whether Whitmer will proceed in state or federal court, and in the meantime the other cases are effectively on hold. Outside of litigation, Michigan and Enbridge are currently in a court ordered mediation process.

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Background

Though the Order had an effective date of May 12, 2021, it continues to appear unlikely that Line 5 will shut down imminently. [ * ]

On May 11, 2021, Canada filed an amicus (a “friend of the court” filing) in the Whitmer Litigation. [ * ]

In particular, the amicus advised the U.S. federal court that the Treaty is relevant to the Enbridge–Michigan dispute, and noted that Canada has raised the Treaty in its advocacy with the U.S. federal government. However, Canada has not formally invoked the dispute resolution mechanism of the Treaty, a point underlined by Michigan in its recent court filings.

In 2018, then-candidate Whitmer campaigned on a promise to shut the pipeline down. She is facing reelection in 2022, and has not shown willingness to change her position (requiring a total shutdown of Line 5 in the near term). [ * ]

Separately, Enbridge and the State agreed to proceed to construct a pipeline tunnel under the Straits to replace the existing line and improve safety and operations. However, the tunnel project is not likely to be completed until 2025 at the earliest, and must still pass the necessary permitting process, including a full Environmental Impact Statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Current status

Canada continues to convey its grave concerns regarding the economic and energy security consequences of a Line 5 shutdown to the Biden Administration and to Michigan Governor Whitmer. Engagement efforts have ramped up since early August, including a call by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to U.S. Secretary of State Blinken. Premier Ford has engaged directly with Governor Whitmer on the issue.

Officials from Canada’s Embassy in Washington and Global Affairs Canada are engaged in discussions with the U.S. State Department with the objective of identifying a cooperative approach to support a negotiated resolution to the pipeline dispute between Enbridge and Michigan.

The U.S. Federal Government has underlined its desire to let the two parties resolve the issue. The U.S. has signaled that it would view Canada invoking the Treaty as an adversarial act, and cautioned that it could result in the U.S. federal government siding publically with Michigan. While the U.S. has further cautioned that invoking the Treaty may restrict space for bilateral solutions, it has not offered any constructive suggestions.

Status of legal dispute and mediation

Michigan and Enbridge commenced court ordered mediation on April 16, 2021. The final mediation session was scheduled for September 9. The mediator expressed to the parties that he wished to file a confidential report to the judge containing his recommendations regarding continuation of the mediation, and would file a motion to do so.

On September 14, the parties submitted a joint notice to the judge noting that the September 9 mediation session took place, and was completed without a settlement. Later that day, Michigan attempted to force an end to the mediation by submitting a motion and a brief to the judge to try to block the mediator from filing his confidential report, saying that, “The State Parties have not consented to such a filing or submission by the mediator or to the continuation of the mediation”. Also that day, the mediator submitted a brief one-page report indicating that the mediation is “continuing”, and that the “status of mediation and date [is] to be determined”.

On September 15, Enbridge filed its response to Michigan to say that Michigan’s motion should be summarily denied so that the judge, “can assess the mediator’s procedural recommendations”.

In the immediate term, the judge will consider Michigan’s motion and issue a decision. The decision is expected to address whether the mediator can provide his recommendations and may also give guidance on the status of the court-ordered mediation. While precise timelines as regards mediation process decisions are unknown, they are expected to precede any decision on remand. In the event settlement through mediation is not reached, the case will proceed to trial.

PCO comment

Triggering the Treaty unilaterally is a measure of last resort, and is informed by a number of considerations, not least of which is preserving the Canada–U.S. relationship. Linked to the issue of whether or not to invoke the Treaty is the question of whether Canada has fully exhausted all avenues in its bilateral discussions. Officials are taking advantage of the extra time available due to the extension of mediation to explore options with the U.S. State Department.

The period between a mediation failure and the court’s decision on remand may be short (between several days but not likely more than several weeks). [ * ]

Next steps

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Conference of Parties (COP) 26 

Summary

Issue

The Conference of the Parties (COP) 26 climate negotiations in Glasgow (October 31 to November 12) are both a milestone for the Paris Agreement, which mandates that countries increase their climate ambition every five years, and an inflection point for future global climate action and momentum for net-zero by 2050.

The COP26 World Leaders Summit (November 1-2) immediately follows the G20 Leaders Summit, where climate issues will also be on the agenda. A number of G20 leaders, including U.S. President Biden, will travel to Glasgow from Rome to participate in this opening event.

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Background

The 2015 Paris Agreement, an international treaty designed to limit global warming to below 2°C (and preferably to 1.5°C), requires countries to increase their climate ambition every five years. COP26 in Glasgow marks this five-year milestone, delayed in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the United Kingdom (UK) Presidency has positioned COP26 as a critical moment for climate ambition, amplified by a summer of wildfires, heat waves and other extreme weather events across the globe. As well, the August 2021 scientific assessment from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals require significantly stronger efforts to reduce emissions.

In preparation for COP26, the UK Presidency pushed countries to set enhanced national targets for 2030; publish plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050; and increase financial support for climate action in developing countries. In these areas, Canada has already shared details on the following:

• A new 2030 target, or nationally determined contribution (NDC), to reduce emissions by 40-45 per cent below the 2005 level. Canada formally submitted its new NDC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in July 2021, replacing a previous target of 30 per cent below the 2005 level.
• The adoption of the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which requires Canada to reduce its emissions to net zero by 2050 and establish a series of interim targets and plans to meet them.
• An increase in Canada’s climate finance contribution to $5.3 billion over the next five years to support climate action in developing countries, up from $2.65 billion in 2015. Canada also increased the share of funding which will support adaptation from 25 to 40 per cent.

COP26 negotiators will also address a number of technical issues. [ * ]

The UK Presidency is making plans for an in-person COP26 meeting, including providing a vaccination program for delegates in their home countries to support the participation of negotiators from developing countries. However, equity concerns remain, and it is possible the pandemic will impact participation and the meeting format.

The G20 Leaders Summit will take place immediately before COP26 opens, and climate will be an important agenda item. G20 Leaders will seek to resolve issues related to setting a date for the phase-out of unabated coal, ending coal financing overseas, adopting stronger commitments in support of zero-emission vehicles, as well as setting a deadline for the G20 commitment to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Discussions at the G7 and G20 earlier this year also put emphasis on reducing support for fossil fuels from export credit agencies.

As well, the 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) will take place in two parts over the coming months – first virtually (October 11-15) and then in person in China (April 25-May 8, 2022). Countries will seek to adopt a new framework to guide global efforts on biodiversity over the next decade.

Current status

COP26, and G20 climate discussions immediately prior, will create pressure for the new government to reinforce its commitment to the Paris Agreement, particularly on national ambition and climate finance, and to adopt a clearer position on phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and restricting export credit agency support for fossil fuel companies.

At COP26, parties to the Paris Agreement are expected to adopt targets that “will represent a progression” from their previous commitments. Canada announced an enhanced 2030 target in April 2021, [ * ]

Modelling by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) estimates that full implementation of the December 2020 Strengthened Climate Plan would reduce emissions to 31 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, however, full implementation and funding to achieve this target is not in place. After additional investments in Budget 2021, Finance Canada estimated that Canada is positioned to reduce emissions by 36 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. This estimate incorporated elements which were not modelled as part of the Strengthened Climate Plan, including alignment with strengthened U.S. methane and transportation regulations, as well as measures which require additional design and funding decisions.

Climate finance support for climate action in developing countries will be a key component of any successful negotiations at COP26. Canada and Germany are co-leading the development of an action plan to deliver on a collective commitment by developed countries of US$100 billion per year by 2025. Canada has announced its $5.3 billion total contribution and could build on this at COP26 with announcements of specific funding commitments, including related to Canada’s increased commitment to climate adaptation.

[ * ] In terms of export credit agencies, Export Development Canada (EDC) recently committed to net zero emissions in 2050 and to the development of interim sectoral emission intensity targets and a sustainable finance target by July 1, 2022, however, fossil fuels and carbon-intensive sectors are a significant part of its current portfolio.

Canada is planning for an inclusive delegation, including participation by provinces and territories, national indigenous organizations and other public and private stakeholders. The pandemic context will necessitate a smaller delegation than previous years.

PCO comment

COP26 appears on track to be a high-profile international event that will attract significant attention and high-level attendees, including many world leaders for the opening.

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Next steps

An early briefing on the current status of Canada’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, including its NDC, as well as the international climate context and related Canadian interests, such as those linked to Canada-U.S. relations.

Finalize the Canadian COP26 delegation, including who will accompany the Prime Minister during the COP26 Leaders Summit, should he attend.

Any Canada-led initiative to highlight Canada’s climate leadership will require outreach to partners, including peer countries and international organizations, as soon as possible following the election.

Lower Churchill projects

Summary

Issue

On July 28, 2021, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) announced in St. John’s a non-binding Agreement in Principle (AIP) for the financial restructuring of the Lower Churchill Projects (the Projects). [ * ]

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Decision required

Canada has committed to making reasonable best efforts to draft definitive agreements to support the financial restructuring by September 30, 2021. [ * ]

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Current status

Financial restructuring: Both federal and provincial parties are working to prepare draft definitive agreements to support the financial restructuring of the Projects. Canada is targeting September 30, 2021 to have draft agreements ready for execution, [ * ]

Innu Litigation:

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PCO comment

Building on the announced AIP, work has continued between federal and provincial officials to draft the required legal agreements to support the financial restructuring of the Projects. [ * ]

While there was a previous federal commitment to complete draft definitive agreements by September 30, 2021, this deadline was agreed prior to the launch of the Innu litigation. [ * ]

[ * ] It will be critical to confirm the approach to this commitment and monitor and track its potential delivery given linkages to the financial restructuring process.

Next steps

Canada will continue to work with the province to prepare draft definitive agreements to support the financial restructuring of the Projects by September 30, 2021 and to engage with the province to monitor how it addresses the Innu litigation [ * ]

[ * ]

Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration Levels

Summary

Issue

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) requires that a projection of permanent resident admission for the next calendar year (“Levels Plan”) be tabled in Parliament each year, by November 1 (or within 30 sitting days of the first sitting day if the House is not sitting on November 1 of a given year). The upcoming Levels Plan will incorporate the number of Afghan Refugees settling in Canada as well as adjustments across other immigration components as a result of resettlement efforts.

Decision required

The Levels Plan needs to be tabled in Parliament per the timelines above. [ * ]

Background

Each year Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) tables the Levels Plan in Parliament as set out in the IRPA. More recently, the department has moved towards a multi-year Levels Plan, covering a rolling three year period, an update on which is provided to Parliament each fall.

Multi-year levels planning, along with the associated funding, allows IRCC and its stakeholders to better manage resources and staffing for core staff, as well as allowing for advanced planning for delivering downstream services such as permanent resident or citizenship processing. It also affords operational flexibility to adjust the levels upwards or downwards between years as circumstances change.

The Levels Plan sets the foundation of Canada’s managed migration system. It establishes targets and planning ranges for each of the immigration classes by balancing priorities among competing immigration objectives. These classes of immigration include economic immigration, family reunification, protected persons and resettled refugees and humanitarian and compassionate immigration. It also helps to communicate the Government of Canada’s immigration priorities and determines resource allocation for IRCC and federal delivery partners.

Current status

IRCC has undertaken consultations with key delivery partners, stakeholders and the public regarding the upcoming Levels plan. This includes consultation with provinces and territories (PT) as immigration is an area of shared jurisdiction with PTs playing an important role in the settlement and integration of immigrants into society. [ * ]

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has full responsibility for the selection of immigrants destined to the province with the exception of family class and protected persons. As a result of this autonomy and the impact Quebec’s decisions can have on the overall levels targets for Canada, engagement has begun at the senior officials level to better understand their objectives for the upcoming years. Quebec’s levels plan will be incorporated into the national levels plan to provide Parliamentarians and Canadians with a comprehensive overview of planned immigration in Canada.

PCO comment

There have been a number of policies initiated since the last Levels Plan to facilitate entry, such as the temporary public policy on temporary residents to permanent resident pathway, and the resettlement program for Afghan nationals. These policies, among many others, will impact the targets set in the Levels Plan, as well as the government’s ability to meet these targets, [ * ]

The 2021-2023 multi-year levels plan, tabled in Parliament in fall 2020, set ranges with ambitious maximum targets of 401,000, 411,000 and 421,000 in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, with the 2023 target representing 1.08 per cent of Canada’s population. This will help address demographic challenges of Canada’s aging population. IRCC is currently on track to achieve the target range for 2021 (300,000 to 410,000) with more than 200,000 immigrants already processed as of August, 2021. Efforts to bring more Afghan refugees will impact the 2021 results and potentially have an even greater impact on 2022 and 2023 results. PCO anticipates that the number of refugees included in the next Levels Plan will likely need to increase as a result of Afghan refugees settling in Canada; however, depending on funding decisions related to a potential increase in Afghan refugees, the Levels Plan will need to identify whether other components of the plan, such as family reunification or economic immigration, may need to be adjusted.

The 2022-2024 Levels Plan will provide an important update on the initial success achieved in reaching these ambitious targets and chart a path forward for 2024. Immigration will be a key part of Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore this Levels Plan will be an opportunity to adapt the plan and pursue new policies or streams of immigration to support Canada’s economic recovery and help meet the targets.

Next steps

[ * ]

Given the statutory deadline of November 1, as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, IRCC is preparing to table this plan by November 1, 2021. However, tabling could be delayed until a later date, should Parliament not convene until after November 1, 2021 following the Election.

[ * ]

[ * ]

Examination of personal digital devices at the border

Summary

Issue

A 2020 ruling by the Court of Appeal of Alberta deemed that the examination of personal digital devices (PDDs) under section 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act is unconstitutional to the extent that it imposes no limits on the searches of such devices at the border. The Court ruled that this practice infringes on section 8 rights (unreasonable search and seizure) under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter), and gave a one-year suspension to provide Parliament with an opportunity to make legislative amendments.

Decision required

[ * ]

Background

The Customs Act provides the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with its authority to examine goods at the border, while the Preclearance Act provides the legal authorities for United States (U.S.) preclearance officers to apply U.S. laws in Canada within defined areas to screen goods and travellers; it also requires compliance with relevant Canadian laws. Both statutes have certain provisions which provide an authority to conduct a “no threshold” examination of goods, which are defined in the respective Acts. While PDDs are not explicitly included in either definition, those devices have traditionally been interpreted as falling within scope of goods that can be examined at the border. Other thresholds include “generalized suspicion”, which is typical of border operations, while a higher threshold of “reasonable grounds to suspect” is more typical of criminal investigations.

The CBSA has developed an internal policy that, [ * ] which has proven to be effective. While the examination of PDDs is rarely done by CBSA officers, the resultant rate of custom-related offences as an outcome of  these examinations is high (43 per cent compared to 4 per cent across other non-threshold examinations).

In 2020, the Court of Appeal of Alberta ruled in Canfield that the examination of PDDs under section 99(1)(a) – a “no threshold” authority – of the Customs Act is unconstitutional, thereby infringing on section 8 rights under the Charter. While this court decision is only applicable in Alberta, it is expected to have a persuasive impact nationally on the constitutionality of this authority.

[ * ]

Current status

[ * ]

PCO comment

[ * ]

Privacy considerations

The examination of PDDs at the border and associated privacy implications have been discussed amongst advocates and privacy rights groups for many years. In 2019, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) published a report on the examination of PDDs, which made several recommendations. These included removing PDDs from the definition of goods, introducing a legal framework for examinations and applying a threshold of reasonable grounds to suspect. [ * ]

Machinery elements

[ * ]

Next steps

[ * ]

20th Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA-20)

Summary

Issue

In early 2021, the World Bank Group launched negotiations on the 20th replenishment process of the International Development Association (IDA-20). IDA is the arm of the World Bank Group that provides highly concessional loans and grants to the world’s 74 poorest countries.

The funding request from IDA and overall target amount of the replenishment remain under discussion, as well as a number of other aspects of the financial framework of the replenishment. These issues will not be decided until the third week of October 2021, when negotiations between donors are expected to conclude.

[ * ]

Decision required

[ * ]

Background

IDA is the arm of the World Bank Group that provides highly concessional loans and grants to the world’s 74 poorest countries.

IDA’s financial capacity is normally replenished on a three-year cycle but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, World Bank Governors agreed to start negotiations on an early replenishment to ensure IDA has sufficient resources to support developing countries’ economic recovery in the coming years.

Current status

Negotiations with IDA and other donors are ongoing and expected to conclude in the third week of October 2021.

PCO comment

PCO is supportive of Canada’s contribution to IDA as part its 20th replenishment exercise.

Canada is a major donor to IDA, and has provided over $15 billion in contributions since its creation in 1960.

[ * ]

Next steps

[ * ]

Operation ARTEMIS funding

Summary

Issue

Operation ARTEMIS is a long-standing and successful Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) maritime security and counter-terrorism operation in the Middle East. Dating back to 2001 and Operation APOLLO, this mission has evolved to encompass Canada’s contribution to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a U.S.-led naval partnership based in Bahrain, and Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of the CMF’s three operational flotillas. [ * ]

Decision required

[ * ]

Background

[ * ]

Current status

There are currently approximately [ * ] Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed to the CMF under Operation ARTEMIS and [ * ]

PCO comment

PCO supports the renewal and expansion of Operation ARTEMIS, which is a long-standing and successful CAF operation. Operation ARTEMIS is a tangible demonstration of Canada’s commitment to multinational partnerships and coalitions. Through this mission Canada promotes the rules-based international order and helps deny terrorist organizations and other illicit actors an avenue for smuggling drugs, weapons, and people. More broadly, Operation ARTEMIS provides Canada with a better understanding of the Middle East and the interests and objectives of our key Allies and partners in the region.

Operation ARTEMIS contributes to core CAF missions, including promoting global security, supporting coalition efforts to deter and defeat adversaries, and conducting capacity building with partners. It also advances key foreign policy priorities, including support for the rules-based international order.

Next steps

[ * ]

Parliamentary tabling of National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) annual report

Summary

Issue

Following the caretaker convention period, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) is expected to submit its public annual report to the Prime Minister, which must be tabled in Parliament within the first 15 sitting days after the report is received.

Decision required

On which of the first 15 sitting days to table the report in each House of Parliament.

Background

NSIRA is expected to provide the Prime Minister with its public annual report following the caretaker convention period. The report will contain an overview of NSIRA’s activities in 2020, as well as unclassified summaries of its reviews, findings and recommendations. Unclassified versions of the Government’s response to each recommendation are integrated into the report.

Subsection 38(2) of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency Act requires the Prime Minister to table a copy of the report in each House of Parliament, on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after a report is submitted to the Prime Minister.

Current status

NSIRA has advised that the report is complete and will be submitted to the Prime Minister following the caretaker convention period.

PCO comment

PCO has not seen a draft of the report and therefore does not know its specific contents. However, the classified review reports identified a number of recommendations to improve the performance of the security and intelligence community. Unclassified summaries of these recommendations and the Government’s previously submitted response to each are included in the report. Each implicated department has communications products to support the accountable minister, should any questions on these matters arise.

Next steps

Once the report is received by the Prime Minister, PCO will conduct a quick consultation with the security and intelligence community to ensure that the report is in fact unclassified.

PCO will then provide the Prime Minister with an analysis of the report, advice on next steps – if any – to consider on the recommendations, and a tabling package for the report.

Renewal of the Bank of Canada monetary policy framework

Summary

Issue

The current agreement between the Bank of Canada and the Government on the monetary policy framework is set to expire at the end of 2021. The framework mainly involves setting Canada’s inflation-control target and is typically renewed every five years by convention, usually in November. As the COVID-19 crisis has brought exceptional economic conditions and put significant strain on monetary policy, this renewal is generating particular interest.

Decision required

The agreement on the monetary policy framework is due to be renewed this fall. [ * ]

Background

Over the past 25 years, the monetary policy framework has been characterized by a flexible inflation-targeting approach (with no significant changes during that time), and has been largely successful in keeping inflation low, stable and predictable, which is deemed to foster confidence in the value of money, preserve the purchasing power of Canadians and promote stable economic growth. The Bank of Canada has therefore indicated that an important rationale would be needed for changing to alternative frameworks.

The current inflation target is the 2 per cent midpoint of a control range of 1 per cent to 3 per cent. To manage inflationary pressures, the Bank of Canada influences interest rates in order to encourage or restrict the demand of goods and services, depending on whether the economy is nearing its productive capacity.

Importantly, the Bank of Canada’s approach to inflation targeting is flexible, meaning the Bank may choose to take more time for returning inflation to target, depending on the nature and persistence of the shock(s) hitting the economy.

[ * ] The COVID-19 crisis has required unprecedented monetary policy intervention. The Bank of Canada lowered the policy interest rate to 25 basis points, which it considers its effective lower bound, and introduced significant ‘quantitative easing’ measures that resulted in an unprecedented build-up in the Bank of Canada’s balance sheet that will take time to unwind and may hinder its capacity to intervene in future crises. In addition, the Bank of Canada’s new framework will need to deal with significant economic uncertainty going into 2022. [ * ]

The Bank of Canada has insisted that it would maintain extraordinary policy support through the full length of the economic recovery, until the job market offers good opportunities, including for those most affected by the pandemic. Over the summer, the economic recovery has strengthened, with large employment gains. However, the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant raises uncertainties, which could, once again, affect contact-intensive services industries that employ a significant share of low-wage employees. In addition, long-term unemployment remains high with 394,000 individuals out of work for 27 weeks or more, 215,000 (+120 per cent) above the pre-pandemic level.

Meanwhile, inflation has picked up since the beginning of 2021 and inflationary pressures could persist into 2022, reflecting the release of pent-up demand, and supply chain issues. Annual inflation reached 4.1 per cent in August 2021, significantly above the Bank of Canada’s target band. The Bank of Canada notes that inflation is particularly tough for poorer Canadians and for those on fixed incomes. Adding to affordability pressures, housing prices have reached record highs across most Canadian markets, driven by low interest rates and a search for more space during the pandemic, [ * ]

Current status

The Bank of Canada has largely completed the research that will inform the renewal. For the first time, the Bank of Canada has expanded consultations beyond experts to include a broad range of public interest groups and individual citizens. Public consultations findings were released on March 31, 2021. [ * ]

[ * ]

While climate change has not featured as a main consideration in the context of the pandemic-related economic crisis, the Bank noted in 2019 that climate-related risks of capital destruction could imply more frequent and severe supply shocks, and therefore have implications for the choice of monetary policy regime. More generally, as part of its ongoing role to promote financial system stability, the Bank of Canada is looking to assist financial institutions and companies in assessing and disclosing their climate-related risks.

PCO comment

[ * ]

[ * ]

Next steps

The Bank of Canada and Department of Finance officials will conclude their work on a proposed renewed framework, which they will recommend to the Minister of Finance following the federal election.

[ * ]

National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians

Summary

Issue

Established through legislation in November 2017, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has a broad mandate to review Canada’s national security and intelligence organizations.

The terms of the committee members ended upon the dissolution of Parliament on August 15, 2021.

Decision required

The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act requires that, after a general election, members must be appointed within 60 calendar days of Parliament resuming (subsection 5(1.1)). Failure to appoint members within this timeframe would constitute a breach of the Act.

As the process for appointment of members can be complex – entailing parliamentary consultations and issuance of the necessary security clearances – [ * ]

Background

The NSICOP has a broad mandate to review national security and intelligence: (1) legislative, regulatory, policy, administrative, and financial frameworks; (2) activities carried out by any department, unless the activity is an ongoing operation and the appropriate minister determines that the review would be injurious to national security; and, (3) matters that a minister of the Crown refers to the NSICOP.

The NSICOP Act sets out the parameters for appointment. The Governor in Council (GIC), on your recommendation, appoints the Chair and up to ten other members, of whom not more than three members are to be members of the Senate and not more than eight members are to be members of the House of Commons. Not more than five of the members of the House of Commons are to be members of the government party. Members hold office during pleasure until the dissolution of Parliament following their appointment.

The NSICOP Act further requires that the Prime Minister consult with the leader of every caucus and of every recognized group in the Senate prior to recommending the appointment of a member of the Senate to the committee. For members of the House of Commons who belong to a party that is not the government party and that has a recognized membership of 12 or more persons, the Act requires that you consult with the leader of that party prior to recommending the appointments.

The NSICOP is supported by a permanent secretariat, which is led by a deputy head-level Executive Director who is a GIC appointee, serving for a term of up to five years. The Executive Director, Lisa Marie Inman, was appointed to a five-year term on April 8, 2021.

The Privy Council Office plays a coordinating role for departments and agencies of the Government of Canada in its engagement with the NSICOP and its permanent secretariat.

Current status

When the new Parliament begins sitting, Committee members must be appointed within 60 calendar days pursuant to subsection 5(1.1) of the NSICOP Act.

Next steps

The Privy Council Office will return under separate cover with detailed information and advice on next steps in respect of the NSICOP.

Agent of Parliament appointments

Summary

Issue

The terms of two Agents of Parliament, the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner (PSIC) and the Privacy Commissioner expire March 26, 2022 and June 3, 2022, respectively.

The process to staff each position can be lengthy, given the various legislated requirements. Specifically, this process includes the requirement for consultation with the leaders in the House of Commons and the Senate, and approval of each appointment by resolution of both chambers, the timing of which is largely dependent on the parliamentary calendar.

Decision required

A decision on the way forward for each of these Agent of Parliament positions will be required as soon as possible, to ensure these critical and highly visible positions are staffed in a timely manner.

Background

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) oversees compliance with the Privacy Act, which covers the personal information-handling practices of federal government departments and agencies, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s federal private-sector privacy law.

The Office of the PSIC is an independent federal organization created in 2007 under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act. The office is led by a commissioner who reports directly to Parliament, and has jurisdiction over most federal public sector organizations, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Crown Corporations. The Office investigates wrongdoing in the federal public sector and helps protect whistleblowers from reprisal as well as those who participate in investigations.

Both the Privacy Commissioner and the PSIC are appointed by the Governor in Council (GIC) by commission under the Great Seal, after consultation with the leader of every recognized party in the Senate and House of Commons, and approval of the respective appointments by resolution of the Senate and House of Commons.

Current status

Privacy Commissioner

Mr. Daniel Therrien was reappointed as Privacy Commissioner of Canada for a one-year term on June 4, 2021, following a full term of seven years. A Notice of Appointment Opportunity for the position was posted on the Governor in Council Appointments website on July 5, 2021. Engagement letters were also sent to the leaders of all parties in the House of Commons and all groups in the Senate. In respect of the Caretaker Convention, this selection process was taken down from the website at the call of the 44th General Election.

Under the Privacy Act, the Privacy Commissioner, on the expiry of a first or second term of office, is eligible to be re-appointed for a further term not exceeding seven years (subsection 53(3)). Furthermore, if that office is vacant, the Governor in Council may appoint any qualified person to that position for an interim term not exceeding six months (subsection 53(4)).

Public Sector Integrity Commissioner (PSIC)

Mr. Joe Friday was appointed as PSIC on March 23, 2015, for a seven-year term.

Under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, the PSIC may be re-appointed for a further term of not more than seven years (subsection 39(3)). Furthermore, if that office is vacant, the Governor in Council may appoint any qualified person to hold that office for an interim term not exceeding six months (subsection 39(4)).

Next steps

[ * ]

Priority Governor in Council appointments

Summary

Issue

A number of positions have been identified as [ * ]

Decision required

[ * ]

Background

In many cases, highly qualified candidates have been assessed through rigorous selection processes. In other cases, action may need to be taken to identify candidates and put in place interim measures.

Current status

Positions that require a decision on a priority basis include:

A full list of priority appointments has been prepared for your reference in the appointments overview book.

Next steps

[ * ] PCO’s Senior Personnel Secretariat will work with departments and your office on next steps. This includes conducting background checks and due diligence on proposed candidates [ * ]

FIFA World Cup 2026

Summary

Issue

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 will be held in Canada, the United States (U.S.), and Mexico. Each country will have at least one host city. Toronto and Edmonton are the two Canadian cities still in the running to become host cities. FIFA could pick Toronto, Edmonton, or both as Canadian host cities.

To maintain their commitment and continue with the next steps of the process, Toronto and Edmonton are seeking the federal government’s confirmation on: funding, the federal role in ensuring security during the event; and immigration modalities.

Decision required

[ * ]

Background

The FIFA World Cup is the quadrennial international men's soccer championship disputed by the national teams of members of the associations of FIFA. [ * ] The Bid was successful.

Canada Soccer is the lead and the main interlocutor with FIFA on preparations for the World Cup. It works with the federal government, the two potential host cities and the provinces of Ontario and Alberta to advance work in anticipation of the 2026 event.

Canada Soccer developed a National Hosting Concept that outlines the roles and responsibilities of Canada Soccer, the potential host cities, implicated provinces, and the federal government. The federal government’s responsibilities focus on immigration, security, protocol, application of labour laws and official languages obligations, and cultural and legacy initiatives such as new or improved infrastructure, investments in sports amateur developments, and the establishment of trust funds. These areas of action need to be costed and further defined including the level of federal involvement and the collaboration with provinces, cities and Canada Soccer.

Canada’s role for major sporting events is outlined in the Federal Policy for Hosting International Sport Events (the Policy). The Policy states that the Government of Canada will limit its contribution to a maximum of 35 per cent of total event costs and will not exceed 50 per cent of the total public sector contribution to the event.

In winter 2018, lead ministers provided general guarantees in writing to FIFA concerning the federal areas of responsibilities, consistent with how previous large sporting events have been managed. This includes, for instance, facilitating the issuance of visas and work permits, expeditious processing of exceptions to the weekly day of rest requirement, relief from certain custom duties, tax remission, integrated border services and safety and security measures, and increased transportation security as required.

[ * ]

Current status

[ * ]

A meeting took place between federal officials, Canada Soccer, Ontario, Alberta, Toronto and Edmonton at the end of August 2021 to discuss the guarantees cities need in order to continue with their commitment. [ * ]

PCO comment

This is the first time in FIFA’s history that the World Cup will be hosted in three countries. This tournament will also be the first to include 48 teams, expanded from 32. These two elements present important challenges regarding security and immigration.

[ * ]

Next steps

Canadian Heritage will continue to convene federal departments and agencies to develop costed options with respect to the federal roles and responsibilities for the organization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

[ * ]

[ * ]

[ * ]