2021 Transition binder two: Intergovernmental Relations

Intergovernmental Relations

Background

Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) plays an active role in supporting the Government of Canada’s priorities on gender equality through its intergovernmental relations with provinces and territories, which are all engaged in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This collaboration happens through the Federal-Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, which was established in 1972. The FPT Forum meets annually to share knowledge and information, and provides FPT Ministers with a collective and unique opportunity to lead and influence change on current and emerging issues related to women’s equality and the status of women, which can include gender diversity and gender equality, taking into account the varying scope of each Minister’s mandate.

In addition to these annual face-to-face meetings, ministerial conference calls can also be arranged on an ad hoc basis to discuss key issues. Senior officials-level meetings and conference calls are held regularly throughout the year to advance the annual agenda and work plan mandated by the ministers at the annual FPT Ministerial Meeting.

To carry out the work set out at the annual FPT Ministerial Meeting, task teams made up of FPT officials are established and follow a three-year cycle. These task teams conduct their respective work/projects and report back to ministers every year.

In order to strengthen engagement with Indigenous Peoples, the FPT Forum meets with National Indigenous Leaders and Representatives (NILRs) prior to the in-person FPT Ministerial Meeting.

Current Status

WAGE is the federal chair of the FPT Forum, and co-chairs with a provincial/territorial Minister Responsible for the Status of Women on a rotational basis. For 2021, the P/T co-chair is Saskatchewan, led by their Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Laura Ross. As this year’s co-chair, Saskatchewan will host the annual FPT Ministerial Meeting, which will be held virtually.