Canada–Saskatchewan transfer payment agreement on the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

Agreement

Between:
His Majesty The King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and including any person duly authorized to represent it (hereinafter referred to as “Canada”)

And:
His Majesty The King in Right of Saskatchewan as represented by the Minister responsible for the Status of Women and including any person duly authorized to represent it (hereinafter referred to as “Saskatchewan”)

Hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Parties”.

 

Whereas, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality’s powers, duties and functions include the advancement of equality, including social, economic and political equality, with respect to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression;

Whereas, the priorities of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Status of Women Office are to advance women in the economy, advancing their leadership roles and ending interpersonal violence and abuse in Saskatchewan to support women to live safe, healthy and prosperous lives.

Whereas, preventing and addressing gender-based violence necessitates coordinated and collaborative actions from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, each working within their respective jurisdictional authorities, in partnership with survivors, Indigenous partners, civil society, front-line service providers, municipalities, the private sector and researchers;

Whereas, on November 8th, 2022, at the 40th Annual Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, Ministers endorsed the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (hereinafter referred to as the “NAP to End GBV”); a ten-year, collaborative approach to ending gender-based violence (hereinafter referred to as “GBV”); 

Whereas, joint efforts in support of the NAP to End GBV will align with and complement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice;

Whereas, the federal government’s Budget 2022 provided $539.3 million over five years (2022-2023 to 2026-2027) to the Department for Women and Gender Equality Canada, including $525 million to enable provinces and territories to supplement and enhance services and supports within their jurisdictions to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors; 

Whereas, Saskatchewan already supports efforts to prevent GBV and supports victims and families;

Whereas, Canada wishes to supplement Saskatchewan’s investments, including new and expanded actions to end GBV under the collaborative framework of the NAP to End GBV, based on Saskatchewan’s priorities, but including investment in the areas defined as Priorities in Section 2.9;

Whereas, section 5 of the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act authorizes the Minister for Women and Gender Equality to, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement on the Implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender- Based Violence with Saskatchewan;

And whereas Canada’s funding under this Agreement will be distributed to Saskatchewan in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Department for Women and Gender Equality’s (hereinafter referred to as “WAGE”) Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program: A Grants and Contributions Program.

Now therefore, Canada and Saskatchewan agree as follows:

1. Purpose of agreement

The purpose of this Agreement is to support Saskatchewan’s implementation of its actions under the NAP to End GBV (Annex A) so that collectively, the vision of the NAP to End GBV can be advanced - “A Canada free of gender-based violence. A Canada that supports victims, survivors and their families, no matter where they live”.

2. Definitions

The following expressions, used in this Agreement, shall have the scope defined below:

2.1 “Agreement” means this binding Transfer Payment Agreement on the Implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence, including its Schedules and attached Annexes, as may be amended from time to time, including

• Annexes A and D by the Federal Provincial Territorial Forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, and
• Schedules B and C by the Parties to this Agreement. 

2.2 “Days” means calendar days.

2.3 “Designated Official” means the person(s) identified by the Party with the authority, responsibility, and integrity to represent the Party and perform responsibilities related to implementing the Agreement.

2.4 “Effective Date” means the date this Agreement comes into force, which is the date the second Party signs the Agreement.

2.5 “Fiscal Year” means the period commencing on April 1 of any calendar year and terminating on March 31 of the immediately following calendar year.

2.6 “GBV (Gender-Based Violence)” means violence perpetrated against someone based on their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender. It takes many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse as well as technology-facilitated violence.

2.7 “NAP to End GBV” means the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (attached as Annex A), a ten-year, collaborative framework for a national approach to ending GBV and its impacts in Canada through opportunities for action under five pillars and a foundation:

• Pillar 1 - Support for survivors and their families
• Pillar 2 - Prevention 
• Pillar 3 - Responsive justice system
• Pillar 4 - Implementing Indigenous-led approaches
• Pillar 5 - Social infrastructure and enabling environment
• The Foundation (leadership, coordination and engagement; data, research and knowledge mobilization; and, monitoring, evaluation and reporting)

2.8 “In-kind Contributions” means goods and services provided instead of money, or cash-equivalent goods and services Saskatchewan will contribute to actions under the NAP to End GBV. In-kind contributions could include rental space in provincially-owned buildings given to an organization at no cost, administrative support provided by provincial employees, or providing materials to organizations.

2.9 “Priorities” mean the following three, broad priority areas:

1. Increasing prevention efforts – to stem the tide of downstream costs and support sustainability over the longer-term
2. Reaching underserved and/or most at-risk populations – to ensure that services and supports are accessible, appropriate, and tailored to specific needs
3. Stabilizing the GBV sector – to enable the ongoing and effective delivery of essential GBV services across the country

2.10 “Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan” means the four-year actions of Saskatchewan to implement the NAP to End GBV in its jurisdiction, agreed to by the Parties and attached as Schedule B. Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan outlines:

• Actions under the five pillars and the foundation of the NAP to End GBV as prioritized by Saskatchewan. While all Saskatchewan’s actions must fall under the five pillars and foundation of the NAP to End GBV, Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan does not have to include actions in all five pillars and foundation in any one year of this Agreement, other than outlined in Section 4.2.4.
• Actions that support the three Priorities
• Connections between Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan and other work in its jurisdiction in addressing GBV
• Outcomes expected to be achieved by the actions 
• A data collection plan to fulfill Saskatchewan’s obligations for reporting (outlined in Section 7.3) as outlined in Annex D.

2.11 “Ultimate Recipients” means organizations providing actions to address GBV under Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan.

3. Duration of agreement

3.1 This Agreement shall come into force on the Effective Date and shall end on March 31, 2027, unless terminated before then by Canada or Saskatchewan in accordance with this Agreement.

3.2 Subject to termination, this Agreement covers the activities described in Schedule B for the period commencing on April 1, 2023 and ending on March 31, 2027. Unless otherwise pre-authorized by Canada, only goods and services rendered within this period shall be considered as eligible expenditures.

3.3 All obligations of the Parties herein which, expressly or by their nature, survive termination or expiry of this Agreement, shall survive until and unless they are fulfilled or by their nature expire.

4. Areas of investment

4.1 Cost sharing

4.1.1 The federal allocation under this Agreement, up to the maximum amount allocated to Saskatchewan in Section 5.1.1, shall be matched by Saskatchewan through an overall, 50-50 sharing of costs. Canada’s allocation shall not exceed 50% of Saskatchewan’s total funding for the purpose of this Agreement. 

4.1.2 Saskatchewan’s cost share can include:

1. new investments;
2. existing GBV-related funding or investments; and,
3. where agreed to in writing by Canada, In-kind Contributions. 

4.1.3 A higher federal cost share may be used for Saskatchewan’s actions supporting the Priorities, within an overall 50-50 cost share ratio for the full value of the Agreement.

4.1.4 Any funds identified by Saskatchewan as constituting any part of its 50% cost share under this Agreement must not be used as Saskatchewan’s cost share or cost matching in any other agreement with the Government of Canada.

4.2 Use of funds

4.2.1 Canada and Saskatchewan agree that federal funds provided under this Agreement will only be used by Saskatchewan in accordance with eligible areas of investment. Eligible areas of investment are those included in Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan (Schedule B) and align with the guiding principles of the NAP to End GBV (Annex A). 

4.2.2 Where Saskatchewan transfers funding to Ultimate Recipients, Saskatchewan shall have full independence and responsibility in the selection of such Ultimate Recipients.

4.2.3 Programs, services and actions supported with Government of Canada funding must support the needs of the key population groups, including: women and girls; Indigenous women and girls; Black and racialized women; immigrant and refugee women; Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, plus people (2SLGBTQI+); women with disabilities, and women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities.

4.2.4 A minimum of 25% of the federal funding under this Agreement must be spent by Saskatchewan on Priority area #1 -- increasing prevention efforts (as defined in Section 2.9).

4.2.5 Saskatchewan’s administration costs including costs related to central administrative functions that are drawn upon to support project activities but are not specifically part of delivering an action outlined in Schedule B (e.g., office equipment, IT maintenance, public sector salaries) may account for a maximum of 10% of Saskatchewan’s 50% cost share.

4.2.6 Activities under the federal 50% cost share can include staff and management salaries and benefits directly related to delivery of eligible expenditures as outlined in Schedule B, but no federal funding can be used towards Saskatchewan’s administration costs described in Section 4.2.5.

4.2.7 Funding under this Agreement shall not be used to displace existing or publicly announced funding by Saskatchewan. 

4.3 Ineligible activities

4.3.1 Activities outside Canada

Expenditures for activities that take place outside Canada or that deal with a related matter abroad are not eligible for funding under this Agreement.

4.3.2 Costs incurred before April 1, 2023, are not eligible for cost sharing.

4.3.3 Expenditures that do not support the implementation of the NAP to End GBV are not eligible for funding under this Agreement.

5. Allocation and conditions

5.1 Allocation to Saskatchewan

5.1.1 Subject to Parliamentary approval of appropriations, the maximum allocation by Canada to Saskatchewan under this Agreement is $20,307,000, matched by Saskatchewan, toward eligible expenditures in Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan. Saskatchewan’s cost matching is further detailed in Schedule C. 

Canada’s annual maximum allocation of funding to Saskatchewan shall be:

1. $3,333,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2023
2. $5,658,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2024
3. $5,658,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2025
4. $5,658,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2026.

5.2 Transfer of funds between expenditure categories

5.2.1 Canada and Saskatchewan agree that, within each Fiscal Year of the period of this Agreement, Saskatchewan may move funding between the pillars and the foundation of the NAP to End GBV outlined in its Implementation Plan in Schedule B to ensure the maximum use of funding, in accordance with Section 4.2.4. Saskatchewan agrees to notify Canada in writing prior to any such change in funding allocation, including the rationale for the change. Should Canada have a reasonable objection to the change proposed by Saskatchewan, Canada shall communicate its objection within 30 Days following the issuance of Saskatchewan’s written notification to Canada.

6. Payment

6.1 Payment conditions

6.1.1 After the Effective Date, Canada shall pay Saskatchewan $3,333,000 for Fiscal Year 1 within twenty (20) Days for the first payment.

6.1.2 Saskatchewan will submit annual reports (Section 7.3 of Agreement) to receive subsequent advance payment for the following Fiscal Year in accordance with the “Payment and Reporting Schedule” below. The reports must be certified by Saskatchewan’s Designated Official. Payments for the subsequent Fiscal Years following Fiscal Year 1 are conditional upon receipt and acceptance by Canada of these completed reports. 

6.2 Carry forward

6.2.1 At the written request of Saskatchewan, and subject to the approval of Canada, funding amounts may be carried forward into the next Fiscal Year, under the following terms:

1. Saskatchewan may only use the amount carried forward to the next Fiscal Year for expenditures on eligible costs incurred in that Fiscal Year;
2. amounts carried forward and paid must be spent by September 30th of the following Fiscal Year, and
3. any amounts unspent by Saskatchewan on March 31, 2027, shall be repaid to Canada within six months after that date. 

6.3 Final payment

6.3.1 The final payment will be made to Saskatchewan upon Canada’s receipt of the 2026-2027 annual report, due by July 31, 2027, and confirmation that Saskatchewan has met its commitments under this Agreement. 

6.3.2 Details on other payment conditions can be found in Schedule C. 

7. Results, monitoring and reporting

7.1 Monitoring ultimate recipients

7.1.1 Saskatchewan will follow its own policies and procedures to assess and manage the manner in which Ultimate Recipients use federal funds provided under this Agreement to ensure transparency, impartiality, and fairness.

7.2 Performance indicators 

7.2.1 Canada collects and disseminates information on the outputs and impacts of the activities funded through its programs; this information is an important part of Canada’s accountability to Canadians. 

7.2.2 Saskatchewan will collect jurisdictional-specific data needed to report on the performance indicators in the NAP to End GBV Expected Results, attached as Annex D.

7.3 Annual reporting

7.3.1 Saskatchewan shall provide Canada with an annual report for each Fiscal Year that this Agreement is active by July 31st of the following year. Saskatchewan agrees that the annual report will include:

1. data to report on results for the indicators in Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan (Schedule B) and the Results Framework (Annex D);
2. a report on the actual activities completed in the Fiscal Year against the activities in Saskatchewan’s Implementation Plan;
3. a report of Saskatchewan’s actual expenditures and a financial statement that is prepared in accordance with Saskatchewan’s financial authorities and/or regulations against the amounts in Saskatchewan’s cost-sharing budget; 
4. a list of Ultimate Recipients that were supported during the reporting period, including the amount each organization received;
5. an updated Implementation Plan, if needed, for the remaining years of this Agreement;
6. an updated Cost-sharing Budget, if needed, for the following years of this Agreement;
7. any amount to be carried forward under Section 6.2. 

8. Audit & evaluation

8.1 Audit

8.1.1 Canada may choose to rely on the reporting requirements due by Saskatchewan under Section 5, 6 and 7 of this Agreement to conduct its own internal audit, for a period of up to five years after the end of this Agreement, without waiving the right to subsequently request an independent audit as provided herein.

8.1.2 If requested by Canada, the Parties agree that an independent auditor may be appointed through mutual agreement to review the records maintained by Saskatchewan, including the management of funds provided by Canada and the consistent application of generally accepted accounting principles in the maintenance of financial and accounting records.

1. The scope, coverage and timing of an audit is determined in collaboration between Canada and Saskatchewan. Both Parties shall make available to the auditors, in a timely manner, any accounts, records, documents or information related to this project that the auditors may reasonably require, upon request. The records, documents and information provided by the Parties are subject to their respective privacy legislation.
2. The results of the audit shall be made available by the auditor to Canada and Saskatchewan within thirty (30) Days of its completion.
3. If money is owing to either Party, the Party owing money will pay within ninety (90) Days of their receipt and agreement with the final audit report. 
4. The cost of providing the services of an independent auditor from the private sector shall be borne by Canada. 

8.2 Evaluation of the agreement

Saskatchewan agree on the importance of assessing what has been accomplished in terms of the implementation progress to date on the NAP to End GBV outlined in this Agreement.

8.2.2 Saskatchewan is responsible for the evaluation of its activities undertaken under the Agreement and agrees to share with Canada the public results of any evaluations related to the activities under the Agreement.

8.2.3 Following notice, Canada may request input from Saskatchewan, including records, for evaluations of the activities funded under this Agreement during the term of the Agreement or once the activities are completed. If additional information is required, rationale for the request will be provided by Canada and such information shall be discussed between Canada and Saskatchewan.

8.3 Evaluation of the NAP to End GBV

8.3.1 Canada’s programs are routinely subject to evaluation. The Parties acknowledge that the design and implementation of the evaluation plan for the NAP to End GBV evaluation’s will be developed through the Federal Provincial Territorial Forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women

9. Public communications & stakeholder engagement

9.1 Joint announcements

9.1.1. Canada and Saskatchewan agree to collaborate in the development of communication materials and activities related to this Agreement. The Parties shall designate communications contacts responsible for implementing coordinated joint communications to the public.

9.1.2 Canada and Saskatchewan agree to participate in an announcement of the bilateral Agreement, which may include stakeholders, once the Parties have signed this Agreement. This must precede the announcements under Section 9.1.3.

9.1.3 Canada and Saskatchewan agree to collaborate on communication products related to announcements under this Agreement with a value of over $100,000. This includes individual projects with a value of over $100,000, or a collection of projects announced at the same time for a value of over $100,000 total. Canada and Saskatchewan can collaborate on communications products related to projects funded under $100,000, if agreed upon by both Parties. 

9.1.4 All efforts will be made to ensure that public communications related to joint announcements are mutually agreed to by the Parties. Where applicable, products shall include a quote from both Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office and Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality. For announcements related to specific projects, the ultimate recipients of the projects will be invited to take part. 

9.2 Individual communications

9.2.1 The Parties agree that its public communications (announcements and promotional material) related to the use of funding under this Agreement will acknowledge the financial contributions of the other Party. Wherever Saskatchewan’s visual identity is used (both online and physical), the Government of Canada’s visual identity must be used as well.

9.2.2 Notwithstanding Section 9.1, the Parties shall retain the right to fulfill their respective obligations to provide the people of Saskatchewan and Canada with information on this Agreement and on the use of funds through their own communication activities after the joint announcement with twenty (20) Days’ notice to the other Party prior to the public release.

9.3. Stakeholder engagement

9.3.1 Saskatchewan is encouraged to engage with Indigenous peoples, official language minority communities, GBV advocates, stakeholders, and other interested parties throughout implementation of the activities outlined in Schedule B. 

10. Official languages

10.1 In carrying out this Agreement, Saskatchewan will take into consideration the needs of official language minority communities within the Province of Saskatchewan, as provided under Saskatchewan’s French Language Services Policy. 

11. Intellectual property

Any intellectual property developed as a result of the funding provided under this Agreement shall be owned by Saskatchewan. Annual reports submitted to Canada under this Agreement do not constitute intellectual property and belong to Canada. 

12. Partnership

12.1 The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement does not constitute an association for the purpose of establishing a partnership or joint venture and does not create an agency relationship between Canada and Saskatchewan, and that in no way implies any agreement or undertaking to conclude any subsequent agreement. 

12.2 Neither Party shall represent itself as being a co-contractor, employee, or agent of the other Party in carrying out its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.

13. Amendments

13.1 Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality may be required to obtain approval of the Governor in Council under Section 5 of the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act before amending this Agreement.

13.2 This Agreement, including Schedules and attached Annexes, may be amended from time to time in writing and as agreed to by both Parties:

• Annexes A and D by the Federal Provincial Territorial Forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, and
• Schedules B and C by the Parties to this Agreement. 

14. Dispute resolution

14.1 Dispute resolution mechanism

In the event of a dispute arising under the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties agree to make a good-faith attempt to settle the dispute. If a dispute cannot be resolved by the Designated Officials identified in Section 18.2, then either Party may refer the matter to such senior officials as the Parties may designate for resolution.

14.2 Termination for breach

If a Party breaches the terms of the Agreement and the Parties are not able to resolve the issue in dispute under the dispute resolution process pursuant to Section 14.1, the other Party may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving at least ninety (90) Days of written notice to the breaching Party. 

14.3 Termination for no cause

Canada or Saskatchewan may terminate this Agreement for any reason, by giving one hundred and eighty (180) Days notice to the Designated Official identified in this Agreement (Section 18.2).

14.4 No payments after date of termination

As of the date of termination, if this Agreement is terminated by a Party under Sections 14.2 or 14.3, Canada shall have no obligation to make any further payments to Saskatchewan. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in the event that funding is terminated under the program, Canada shall reimburse Saskatchewan’s eligible costs incurred up to the end date of that notice period. The funding obligations of Canada shall cease at the end of the notice period. 

15. Reduction/termination of this agreement

15.1 The Parties acknowledge that any payment to be made under this Agreement is subject to the appropriation of funds by the Parliament of Canada and to the maintenance of the current and forecasted program budget levels. Saskatchewan acknowledges that funding under this Agreement may be reduced or terminated at Canada’s discretion in response to the government’s annual budget, a parliamentary or governmental spending decision, or a restructuring or reordering of the federal mandate and responsibilities that impact on the program under which this Agreement is made.

15.2 In the event of a reduction or termination of the funding of the program, Canada may, upon giving Saskatchewan written notice of ninety (90) Days, reduce the funding or terminate this Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in the event that funding is terminated under the program, Canada shall reimburse Saskatchewan for any eligible costs incurred up to the end date of that notice period. The funding obligations of Canada shall cease at the end of the notice period. If Canada reduces its contribution under this Agreement, Canada and Saskatchewan agree to review the effects of such reduction on the overall implementation of the project actions and on this Agreement.

16. Negotiation of successor agreement

The Parties acknowledge the importance of the 10-year NAP to end GBV and the services and supports funded under this four-year Agreement. The Parties recognize the need for discussions prior to any potential extension or renewal of this Agreement, and further recognize that approvals, including approval by the Parliament of Canada of appropriations would be required to fund any successor agreement’s economic provisions.

17. Equity of treatment

17.1 During the term of this Agreement, any material changes to any of its Sections or Schedules, under any bilateral transfer payment agreement on the NAP to End GBV which have been negotiated, either under the original agreement or through amendments, addendums or otherwise, between Canada and any other province or territory of Canada, except the province of Québec, and which are more favourable than what was negotiated with Saskatchewan will, upon request, be extended to Saskatchewan. This amendment shall be retroactive to the date on which this Agreement or the amendments to such an agreement with any other province or territory, as the case may be, comes into force.

18. General provisions

18.1 No current or former federal public servant or federal public office holder who is not in compliance with the provisions of the Conflict of Interest Act, S.C. 2006, c.9, with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment, members of the House of Commons or Senator who is not in compliance with the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons or the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, or anyone else bound by other values and ethics codes applicable to government or specific recipients, shall derive a direct benefit from this Agreement, unless the provision or receipt of the benefit is in compliance with the legislation or codes.

18.2 This Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement between the Parties relating to its subject matter. 

18.3 This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws in force in the Province of Saskatchewan.

18.4 In the spirit of transparency and open government, Canada and Saskatchewan shall make the entire Agreement, including any amendments, public by posting it on the Government of Canada’s and the Government of Saskatchewan’s website with the mention that the English version of this Agreement is the official version.

18.5 If, for any reason, a provision of this Agreement that does not constitute a fundamental condition thereof is deemed to be void or unenforceable, in whole or in part, that provision shall be considered severable and shall be struck from this Agreement; however, all other terms and conditions thereof shall continue to be valid and enforceable.

18.6 Information gathered by the Parties in carrying out this Agreement is subject to the applicable federal and provincial legislation regarding access to information and privacy. If the Parties share confidential information while carrying out this Agreement, the receiving Party will make best efforts to ensure the information is treated as confidential by that Party, during and after the period of this Agreement. 

18.7 Both Parties acknowledge that the other Party may publish any reports, audits, evaluations, or other documents produced in connection with sections 7.3, 8 or 9 of this Agreement and any information contained in them that can be made public through posting on the internet. Both Parties shall ensure that any public disclosure respects all requirements to protect personal information and third-party information.

19. Notice

19.1 Any notice, information or document required under this Agreement shall be deemed given if it is sent by email. Any notice sent by email shall be deemed to have been received one working day after it is sent. Either Canada or Saskatchewan may change the address and other information set out below, provided that a written change of address notice is issued to the other Party.

19.2 Notices or communications addressed to Canada shall be sent to the Designated Official at the following address:

Department for Women and Gender Equality

Notices or communications addressed to Saskatchewan shall be sent to the Designated Official at the following address:

The Status of Women Office 

20. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. An electronic PDF copy or facsimile with a Party’s signature shall be binding upon the signatory with the same force and effect as an original signature.

Signatures

In witness whereof, the Parties have signed this Agreement,

 

Signed on behalf of Canada 
At Toronto
this 14th day of July 2023.

The Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality 

 

Signed on behalf of Saskatchewan
At Regina
this 5th day of July 2023.

The Honourable Laura Ross
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Annex A - National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

Read the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

Schedule B – Context* and annual actions^{Footnote 1}

*Please note that the Context has been provided by the Government of Saskatchewan and is not part of the Agreement.

Context

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Saskatchewan

Interpersonal violence and abuse is a serious, complex social issue that affects families across our province. Saskatchewan women and girls are at greater risk of violence than men, and these statistics are even higher for 2SLGBTQ+ people, disabled women, women who live in rural/remote regions, and women who are financially vulnerable/living in poverty. 

Government firmly believes that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse, violence, and exploitation. The complex problem of interpersonal violence has no simple answer, and will require involvement from all levels of government, communities, agencies, and individuals to address. For Saskatchewan, prevention is critical. This plan will bring Saskatchewan closer to our goal of ending gender-based violence. 

Government of Saskatchewan’s Commitment to Interpersonal Violence and Abuse

The Government of Saskatchewan’s vision of a strong economy, strong communities, and strong families includes a commitment to address interpersonal violence and abuse in the province. 

The Saskatchewan Interministerial Committee on Interpersonal Violence and Abuse (ICIVA) was established in 2018 and is co-chaired by the Status of Women Office and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General. The pillars of ICIVA guide a provincial response that targets prevention, intervention, and accountability to address all forms of interpersonal violence and abuse in Saskatchewan. 

Saskatchewan has invested more than $150 million over the past five years through targeted investments that support the ICIVA pillars. We understand that addressing the direct and indirect impacts of interpersonal violence and abuse is a critical priority. 

In 2024-25, the province will invest $31.7 million for programs and services targeting interpersonal violence and abuse. This includes the $14.2 million to 34 community-based service organizations and 54 programs across Saskatchewan that provide supports and services to individuals and their families impacted by the critical, complex issue of interpersonal violence and abuse. Since 2014-15, the Government of Saskatchewan has increased its annual investment in domestic violence shelters and enhanced residential services to over $9 million. These funds are further complemented by investments in victim services and second stage housing.

The Government of Saskatchewan’s implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence remains focused on our ongoing efforts to support survivors of abuse and their loved ones, and to prevent further violence by funding a wide range of initiatives, with a special focus on prevention and education. 

Partners in Ending Interpersonal Violence and Abuse 

Coordinated and collaborative actions across the Government of Saskatchewan remains key in effectively preventing and addressing gender-based violence. The ministries of Justice and Attorney General; Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; Government Relations; Highways; Social Services; Health; and the Status of Women Office are all involved in this year’s plan. Much of the funding this year will continue to be directed to seeking expertise from community experts in prevention and intervention. 

Saskatchewan’s Implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence 

The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence aligns with the Government of Saskatchewan’s pillars of intervention, prevention, and accountability to work towards ending all forms of interpersonal violence and abuse. The federal dollars, combined with Saskatchewan’s matching contribution, will continue to see most of this funding go to initiatives that target prevention, spread across each of the Plan’s five pillars: Support for victims, Survivors and their Families; Prevention; Responsive Justice System; Implementing Indigenous-led Approaches; and Social Infrastructure and Enabling Environment.

Key initiatives Saskatchewan launched in 2023-24 include expanding public awareness of interpersonal violence and abuse to include human trafficking to support survivors and increase public awareness across the province. The province also increased funding for second stage housing and to community-based organizations that are supporting survivors of human trafficking; to help these survivors break the cycle of violence and abuse and rebuild their lives. Funding is being provided to multiple community-based organizations who deliver interpersonal violence and abuse programs and services to help individuals and families live safe and healthy lives and develop healthy relationships. Saskatchewan is also pursuing Indigenous-led approaches, including expanding the provincial Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spriit + Community Response Fund.

In 2024-25 Saskatchewan will expand initiatives that target human trafficking, increase Indigenous-led approaches, and continue our work to enhance existing supports for survivors and their loved ones. 

Saskatchewan’s efforts to address interpersonal violence and abuse continue to evolve, and the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence is a significant part of this work. The province remains committed to reviewing our plan every year and will adjust as needed to meet the unique needs of Saskatchewan and its people. 

Year 2 actions tables (2024-2025)

Year 1 actions tables (2023-2024)

Schedule C: Canada - Saskatchewan Cost-Sharing Budget^{Footnote 1} 

Year 2 costing table (2024-2025)

Year 1 costing table (2023-2024)

1. Maximum amount of transfer payment

• Disbursements of the transfer payment to Saskatchewan will not exceed the amount(s) below, as per the payment breakdown and eligible expenses that will be incurred by Saskatchewan within the fiscal year in which they are allocated.

Table 16: Maximum amount of transfer payment

Fiscal Year	2023-24	2024-25	2025-26	2026-27	Total
Saskatchewan Allocation	$3,333,000	$5,658,000	$5,658,000	$5,658,000	$20,307,000

 

• Canada’s fiscal year starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following calendar year. For each individual fiscal year, only the actions conducted by Saskatchewan between April 1 and March 31 of the following calendar year are eligible for the funding allocated for the applicable fiscal year.

2. Cost-sharing

• For the three Priorities outlined in Section 2.9 of the Agreement, a higher federal cost share for these areas could be provided, within an overall 50-50 cost share ratio for the full value of the Agreement. This would have to be met with a higher Saskatchewan investment in another non-priority area.
• A 50-50 cost share is encouraged on an annual basis. Should Saskatchewan wish to spread out the cost-sharing across the length of the Agreement in another method (within an overall 50-50 cost share ratio for the full value of the Agreement), this requires consensus from both Parties and Saskatchewan must inform Canada. 

3. Stacking limit

If, between the date of Saskatchewan receiving funding and the Agreement end date, Saskatchewan receives any financial assistance in support of the NAP to End GBV from any federal government department, agency or commission that is in addition to the financial assistance, Saskatchewan shall:

• inform Canada promptly in writing of the additional assistance received;
• where Saskatchewan receives any additional financial assistance, agree that Canada may, at its discretion, reduce the amount of its funding by the amount of any additional assistance to be received; and
• where Canada’s funding has already been paid, Canada may, at its discretion require Saskatchewan to repay an amount equal to the amount of such assistance to Canada. 

4. Overpayment

• Where, for any reason, Saskatchewan is not entitled to the transfer payment or Canada determines that the amount of the transfer payment disbursed exceeds the amount to which Saskatchewan is entitled, any such amount is recoverable by Canada.
• When Saskatchewan’s final report is completed and an overpayment is identified with reference to the Agreement, Saskatchewan shall forward a reimbursement payment to Canada for the amount of the overpayment, payable to the Receiver General for Canada. The due date for the reimbursement shall be the date of the submission of the final report to Canada.
• When Canada or its representatives perform a financial analysis and an overpayment is identified with reference to the agreement, the overpayment shall be repaid to Canada no later than 90 days after the date of the notice sent by Canada.

5. Late claims

Canada will not be obligated to reimburse incurred expenditures or other costs after the end date of the Agreement as indicated in Section 3.1 of the Agreement.

Annex D: National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence expected results framework

Read the expected results framework.