Canada–Alberta contribution agreement on crisis hotlines responding to gender based violence
Between: his Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister for the Department for Women and Gender Equality and including any person duly authorized to represent it (hereinafter referred to as “WAGE”)
And: his Majesty the King in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister for Culture (hereinafter referred to as “Alberta”)
Hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Parties”.
Whereas the Minister for the Department 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 mandate of the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Culture and Status of Women is to create an Alberta where all people and communities have access to social and economic participation and opportunities to experience our cultural and social fabric;
Whereas the Federal Government’s Budget 2021 committed $30 million (to 2025-2026) and in temporary funding to the Department for Women and Gender Equality to work with the thirteen provincial and territorial governments to further distribute funding to existing crisis hotlines experiencing a rise in call volumes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in their provision of supports to those experiencing gender-based violence (hereinafter referred to as “GBV”) or de-escalation support to those at risk of perpetrating GBV;
Whereas Alberta provides funding to legally constituted not-for-profit organizations (hereinafter referred to as “eligible organizations”) to support its own network of crisis hotlines responding to GBV and will continue to fund these services within its jurisdiction;
Whereas organizations operating crisis hotlines responding to GBV are addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and are adapting and preparing for the delivery of services post-pandemic;
Whereas WAGE wishes to enhance the financial assistance provided by Alberta to eligible organizations through a contribution pursuant to WAGE’s Program (hereinafter referred to as the Women’s Program) to Alberta so that crisis hotlines can serve the urgent needs of more Albertans and Canadians so as to offer more robust services, resources, and supports to those experiencing GBV or de-escalation support to those at risk of perpetrating GBV;
And whereas paragraph 4(3)(c) of the federal Department for Women and Gender Equality Act authorizes the Minister for Women and Gender Equality to make grants and contributions, in accordance with the terms and conditions approved by the Treasury Board of Canada, in support of programs undertaken by the Minister.
Therefore, in consideration of their respective obligations set out below, the Parties agree to the following:
1 Purpose of agreement
The purpose of this Agreement is to support eligible organizations providing existing crisis hotlines responding to GBV that are experiencing a rise in call volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic by agreeing on the term of payments of federal funding intended for these eligible organizations.
2 Definitions
The following expressions, used in this Agreement, shall have the scope defined below:
2.1 “Crisis Hotline” refers to a dedicated service focused on providing immediate crisis services by phone, text, or chat (through a trained crisis responder) with the intention of providing support to those experiencing GBV or at risk of perpetrating GBV.
2.1 “days” refers to calendar days.
2.3 “Fiscal Year” means the period commencing on April 1 of any calendar year and terminating on March 31 of the immediately following calendar year.
2.4 “GBV” shall mean violence based on gender norms and unequal power dynamics, perpetrated against someone based on their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender. It takes many forms, including physical, economic, sexual, as well as emotional (psychological) abuse.
2.5 “Eligible Organizations” are legally constituted not-for-profit organizations providing existing crisis hotlines that respond to GBV, including organizations whose primary mandate is to support those experiencing GBV, and, on an exceptional basis, organizations that have a broader mandate, but address crisis hotline service gaps in a given area or for a specific population group experiencing GBV or at risk of perpetrating GBV.
3 Duration of agreement
3.1 This Agreement shall come into force on the date when all the parties will have signed and shall end on March 31, 2026, unless terminated before then by WAGE or Alberta in accordance with this Agreement.
3.2 Subject to termination, the agreement covers the activities described in clause 4 for the period commencing on the signing of the Agreement by both Parties and ending on March 31, 2026. Unless otherwise pre-authorized by WAGE, only goods and services rendered within this period shall be considered as eligible expenditures
3.3 All obligations of the Parties herein shall, expressly or by their nature, survive termination or expiry of this Agreement, until and unless they are fulfilled or by their nature expire.
4 Use of funds as contribution
4.1 Use of funds
Alberta agrees that funding under this Agreement will not be used to displace existing Alberta funding to Eligible Organizations. Alberta agrees to use the contributions paid under this Agreement to fund complementary eligible activities as outlined in clause 4.1.1.
4.1.1 Eligible activities
Eligible activities shall include those activities that contribute to and maintain the sustainability of existing Crisis Hotlines of Eligible Organizations in addressing the impacts of the pandemic which involves responding to increased call volumes, reaching more Canadians and adapting and preparing for the delivery of services post-pandemic, including:
- Reviewing, adapting or expanding existing service approaches to fill gaps identified during the COVID-19 pandemic and to prepare for a post-pandemic environment (Examples include, but are not limited to, coordinating translation services to reach an at-risk population, ensuring culturally appropriate services, enhancing accessibility of services, shifting to virtual operations, etc.).
- Developing communication and outreach strategies to support awareness of and access to crisis hotline services for at-risk populations
- Knowledge exchange and networking with other organizations on lessons learned and best practices to maintain services during the pandemic and adapt to a post-pandemic environment
- Temporary staffing to address increased service demand and associated pressures in the short-term
- Developing and implementing new or adapted resources to better support responders (Examples include, but are not limited to, cultural competency training, mental health services, onboarding for new responders, etc.)
- Addressing technology gaps identified during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., phone/Wi-Fi/software upgrades, development of chat-based/virtual services, adaptive technologies, equipment for remote working arrangements, etc.)
- Developing and implementing recruitment/retention strategies for volunteers and staff of existing crisis hotlines.
- Activities to maintain safety and emergency precautions during the pandemic (Examples include, but are not limited to, purchase of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, rental expenditures for additional space to support physical distancing).
4.1.2 Capital expenditures
Due to the exceptional situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, capital expenditures are eligible expenditures for eligible organizations, with the exception of the purchase of land, buildings and vehicles, and the construction of new buildings.
4.2 Ineligible expenditures
4.2.1 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.
4.2.2 Administrative expenditures
Alberta may not submit expenditures under this Agreement for its costs related to the further distribution of funds to Eligible Organizations.
4.2.3 Costs incurred before the commencement date specified in clause 3.2 are not eligible.
4.3 Alberta’s further distribution of funds to eligible organizations
Alberta agrees to take measures to ensure that Eligible Organizations are bound to observe the provisions of this Agreement to the extent that they are applicable. Alberta will enter written agreements with Eligible Organizations under which Alberta is providing funding, which will be awarded and managed in accordance with Alberta’s relevant policies and procedures and in a way that is transparent, competitive and consistent with value-for-money principles. Furthermore, Alberta agrees to ensure that these agreements will provide no more than 20% administrative expenditures to Eligible Organizations.
5 Contribution and conditions
5.1 Contribution
The maximum contribution by WAGE to Alberta under this Agreement is $3,000,000 toward eligible expenditures.
WAGE’s annual maximum allocation of funding to Alberta shall be:
- $450,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2022
- $1,050,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2023
- $900,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2024
- $600,000 for the Fiscal Year beginning on April 1, 2025.
5.2 Payments conditions
5.2.1 After the signing of this Agreement by the Parties:
- WAGE shall pay Alberta $450,000 within twenty (20) days of the date of receipt of the preliminary report and confirmation that Alberta met its agreed upon commitments under this Agreement (clause 6.2), and
- Alberta agrees to disburse funds to Eligible Organizations within ninety (90) days of signing this Agreement.
5.2.2 Alberta will submit annual reports (clause 6.3) to receive payment for the following Fiscal Year in accordance with the “Payment and Reporting Schedule” below. The reports must be certified by Alberta’s authorized representative. Payments are conditional upon receipt by WAGE of these reports and confirmation that Alberta has met its agreed upon commitments.
Payments (per fiscal year) | Period covered by the payment | Conditions | Reports submitted by |
---|---|---|---|
Payment 2022/23 | April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023 |
|
No later than 30 days after this Agreement comes into force |
Payment 2023/24 | April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024 |
|
May 31, 2023 |
Payment 2024/25 | April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025 |
|
May 31, 2024 |
Payment #1 for 2025/26 | April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026 |
|
May 31, 2025 |
Payment #2 for 2025/26 | April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026 |
|
March 31, 2026 |
5.2.3 Final payment
The final payment will be made to Alberta upon WAGE’s receipt of the 2025/26 annual report, due March 31, 2026.
5.3 Carry forward
At the request of Alberta and subject to the approval of WAGE funding amounts may be carried forward into the next Fiscal Year, under the following terms:
- Alberta may only use the amount carried forward to the next Fiscal Year for expenditures on eligible costs incurred in that Fiscal Year;
- amounts carried forward and paid must be spent by September 30th of the following Fiscal Year, and
- any unspent amounts on March 31, 2026 shall be repaid within six (6) months after that date.
6 Results, monitoring and reporting
Alberta will follow its own policies and procedures to assess and manage the manner in which Eligible Organizations use federal funds provided under this Agreement to ensure transparency, impartiality and fairness.
WAGE collects and disseminates information on the outputs and impacts of the activities funded through its programs; this information is an important part of WAGE accountability to Canadians.
6.1 Performance indicators
Following notice, Canada may request input from Alberta, including the collection of performance (impact) data and program evaluations related to activities funded under this Agreement. If additional information is required, such information shall be discussed between Canada and Alberta.
This information will be used by WAGE to report on how federal funding is helping Eligible Organizations operating Crisis Hotlines responding to GBV to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt and prepare for the delivery of services post-pandemic with the ultimate outcomes of better supporting more Canadians experiencing GBV and at risk of perpetrating GBV.
6.2 Preliminary report
Alberta shall provide WAGE with a preliminary list of Eligible Organizations to be supported during the period April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023 including the amount proposed to be approved for each Eligible Organization, in a preliminary report produced no later than 30 days after this Agreement comes into force.
6.3 Annual reporting
Alberta shall provide WAGE with an annual report for each Fiscal Year that this Agreement is active by May 31st of the following year, apart from the annual report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 which is due on March 31, 2026. Alberta agrees that the annual report will include:
aggregated data to report on results for the following indicators, depending on the activity undertaken: Mandatory indicators:
- PI 1 # of Eligible Organizations that received funding
- PI 2 Annual amount disbursed to funded Eligible Organizations
- PI 3 # of Crisis Hotlines supported
- PI 4 # and type of supports provided each Fiscal Year, by Crisis Hotline (e.g. direct counselling, referrals to other supports, written materials, etc.)
- PI 5 # of calls received (daily, where available; otherwise, monthly)
- 1 to 3 success stories from funded Eligible Organizations to showcase the work of the Crisis Hotlines and highlight what has been achieved with the funding provided
Optional indicators:
- PI 6 # of calls dropped (hang-up) (daily)
- PI 7 # of additional staff hired
- PI 8 # of additional hours worked for existing staff
- PI 9 # of volunteers recruited
- a list of Eligible Organizations that were supported during the reporting period, including the amount each organization received, and
- any amount to be carried forward under clause 5.3.
7 Audit & evaluation
7.1 Audit
7.1.1 WAGE may choose to rely on the reporting requirements due by Alberta under Section 5 and 6 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.
7.1.2 If requested by WAGE, the Parties agree that an independent auditor may be appointed through mutual agreement to review the records maintained by Alberta, including the management of funds provided by WAGE and the consistent application of generally accepted accounting principles in the maintenance of financial and accounting records.
- The scope, coverage and timing of an audit is determined in collaboration between WAGE and Alberta. Both Parties 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 being subject to their respective privacy legislation.
- The results of the audit shall be made available by the auditor to WAGE and Alberta within thirty (30) days of its completion.
- 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.
- The cost of providing the services of an independent auditor from the private sector as set out in Section 7.1.2 shall be borne by WAGE.
7.2 Evaluation
WAGE and Alberta agree on the importance of assessing what has been accomplished in terms of the objectives and expected results outlined in this Agreement.
Alberta is responsible for the evaluation of its activities undertaken under the Agreement and agrees to share with WAGE the public results of any evaluations related to the activities under the Agreement.
WAGE’s programs are routinely subject to evaluation. Following notice, WAGE may request input from Alberta, including records or direct participation through key informant interviews (for example), for evaluations of the activities funded under this Agreement during the term of the Agreement or once the activities are completed and may use the information provided under this Agreement to evaluate the program for effectiveness and efficiency. If additional information is required, such information shall be discussed between WAGE and Alberta.
8 Visibility and public communications
8.1 Communications
WAGE and Alberta agree to collaborate in the execution of communication activities related to this Agreement. The Parties shall designate communications contacts responsible for implementing coordinated joint communications to the public.
WAGE and Alberta agree to participate in a joint announcement once the Parties will have signed this Agreement.
All efforts will be made to ensure that public communications related to the joint announcement (multilateral or bilateral), specifically key messages and press releases, shall be approved by the Parties.
Alberta agrees that its public communications (announcements or promotional material) related to the use of funding under this Agreement will acknowledge the Government of Canada's financial contribution and, where applicable, shall include a quote from both the federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Alberta’s Associate Minister of Status of Women.
8.2 Individual communications
Notwithstanding clause 8.1, the Parties shall retain the right to fulfill their respective obligations to provide Canadians with information on this Agreement and on the use of funds through their own communication activities after the joint announcement.
9 Official languages
In carrying out this Agreement, Alberta will take into consideration the needs of official language minority communities within the Province of Alberta, as provided under Alberta’s French Policy.
10 Intellectual property
Any intellectual property developed as a result of the funding provided under this Agreement shall be owned by Alberta. Annual reports submitted to WAGE under this Agreement do not constitute intellectual property and belong to WAGE.
11 Partnership
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 WAGE and Alberta, and that in no way implies any agreement or undertaking to conclude any subsequent agreement.
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.
12 Amendment
This Agreement may only be amended by the mutual written consent of the Parties.
13 Dispute resolution
13.1 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, then either Party may refer the matter to such senior representatives as the Parties may designate for resolution.
13.2 Termination by WAGE
WAGE may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving at least ninety (90) days of written notice to Alberta of WAGE’s intention to terminate this Agreement if the terms of this Agreement are breached by Alberta and the Parties were not able to resolve the issue in dispute under the dispute resolution process pursuant to clause 13.1. The funding obligations of WAGE shall cease at the end of the notice period.
13.3 Termination by Alberta
Alberta may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving at least ninety (90) days of written notice to WAGE of Alberta’ intention to terminate this Agreement if the terms of this Agreement are breached by WAGE and the Parties were not able to resolve the issue in dispute under the dispute resolution process pursuant to clause 13.1. The funding obligations of WAGE shall cease at the end of the notice period.
13.4 Termination for no cause
WAGE or Alberta may terminate this Agreement for any reason, by giving ninety (90) days notice as per clause 16 to the representative identified in this Agreement.
13.5 No payments after date of termination
As of the effective date of termination of this Agreement under clause 13.2, 13.3, or 13.4 WAGE shall have no obligation to make any further payments to Alberta. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in the event that funding is terminated under the program, WAGE shall reimburse Alberta eligible costs incurred up to the end date of that notice period. The funding obligations of WAGE shall cease at the end of the notice period.
14 Reduction/termination of this agreement
14.1. Any payment 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. Funding under this Agreement may be reduced or terminated at WAGE’s discretion in response to the government’s annual budget, a parliamentary, governmental or departmental spending decision, or a restructuring or reordering of the federal mandate and responsibilities that impact on the program under which this Agreement is made
14.2 In the event of a proposed reduction or termination of the funding of the program under clause 14.1, WAGE may, upon giving Alberta 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, WAGE shall reimburse Alberta for any eligible costs incurred up to the end date of that notice period. The funding obligations of WAGE shall cease at the end of the notice period.
15 General provisions
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 (Reference: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-36.65/page-1.html), with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment (Reference: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=25049,http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=25178), 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 (Reference: https://www.ourcommons.ca/procedure/standing-orders/Appa1-e.html) or the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators (Reference: http://sen.parl.gc.ca/seo-cse/Eng/Code-e.html), 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.
This Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement between the Parties relating to its subject matter.
This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws in force in Alberta.
In the spirit of transparency and open government, WAGE and Alberta shall make the entire Agreement, including any amendments, public by posting it on their respective websites with the mention that the English version of this Agreement is the official version.
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.
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 either Party becomes aware of any information that the other Party indicates is confidential, it will be treated as confidential by that Party, during and after the period of this Agreement.
Both Parties acknowledge that the other Party may make this Agreement public along with any reports, audits, evaluations or other documents produced in connection with this Agreement and any information contained in them. Both Parties shall ensure that any public disclosure respects all requirements to protect personal information and third-party information.
16 Notice
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.
Notices or communications addressed to WAGE shall be sent to the following address:
Department for Women and Gender Equality
16th Floor, #1642 Canada Place
97000 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5J 4C3
Attention:
Olga Rabeson
Regional Director, Prairies Region
Tel: 1(866) 966-3640
Email: CFC.RegionPrairies-PrairiesRegion.SWC@cfc-swc.gc.ca
Notices or communications addressed to Alberta shall be sent to the following address:
Culture and Status of Women
9th Floor, 10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4R7
Attention:
Roisin McCabe
Director, Status of Women
17 Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed 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,
Original signed on behalf of WAGE at Ottawa, Ontario this 24th day of October 2022.
Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Original signed on behalf of Alberta at Edmonton, Alberta this 23rd day of September 2022.
Ron Orr
Minister of Culture
Approved pursuant to the Government Organization Act (Alberta)
September 28, 2022
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