Quarterly Financial Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025

Statement outlining results, risks and significant changes in operations, personnel and programs

1. Introduction

This quarterly financial report has been prepared by management as required by section 65.1 of the Financial Administration Act and in the form and manner prescribed by the Treasury Board. It should be read in conjunction with the  Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates. This quarterly financial report has not been subject to an external audit or review.

Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) works to advance gender equality through its policies, programs, and by promoting an intersectional gendered lens. The Department:

• promotes a greater understanding of the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors that include race, national and ethnic origin, Indigenous origin or identity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic condition, place of residence and disability
• develops and coordinates policies and programs; and undertakes research and data collection and analyses related to these policies and programs; and raises public awareness through outreach
• provides leadership and policy expertise to federal departments and agencies to achieve Canada’s gender equality outcomes and goals and facilitates the advancement of gender equality among other partners and stakeholders, through its expertise, contribution to research and funding to community initiatives
• serves as a central point for sharing expertise across Canada and with international partners and uses this knowledge to inform and support Canada’s gender equality priorities

The Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) is responsible for this organization.

A summary description of WAGE's programs can be found in the Main Estimates.

2. Basis of presentation

This quarterly report has been prepared by management using an expenditure basis of accounting. The accompanying Statement of Authorities includes the department’s spending authorities granted by Parliament, and those used by the department consistent with the Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. This quarterly report has been prepared using a special purpose financial reporting framework designed to meet financial information needs with respect to the use of spending authorities.

The authority of Parliament is required before money can be spent by the Government. Approvals are given in the form of annually approved limits through appropriation acts, or through legislation in the form of statutory spending authority for specific purposes.

When Parliament is dissolved for purposes of a general election, section 30 of the Financial Administration Act authorizes the Governor General, under certain conditions, to issue a special warrant authorizing the Government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. A special warrant is deemed to be an appropriation for the fiscal year in which it is issued.

WAGE uses the full accrual method of accounting to prepare and present its annual departmental financial statements that are part of the departmental results reporting process. However, the spending authorities voted by Parliament remain on an expenditure basis. 

3. Highlights of the fiscal quarter and the fiscal year-to-date (YTD) results

This section highlights the significant items that contributed to the net increase or decrease in authorities available for the year and actual expenditures for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.

3.1 Significant changes to authorities

Total authorities available for use for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, have increased by $31.7 million, from $378.6 million in 2024 to 2025 fiscal year to $410.3 million in 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, representing an increase of 8%.

The increase is mainly attributable to the following elements:

• An increase of $24.6 million for the Menstrual Equity Fund
• An increase of $6.5 million in the Women’s Program for advancing gender equality in Canada 

3.2 Significant changes to expenditures

Year-to-date budgetary expenditures for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, have increased by $21.7 million, from $323.2 million in 2024 to 2025 fiscal year to $344.9 million in 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, representing an increase of 7%.

The net increase is mainly attributable to the following elements:

• An increase of $25.5 million in transfer payments
• A decrease of $2.8 million in personnel
• A decrease of $0.9 million in information for data access services to support research activities

Figure 1 outlines the total authorities available for use and total expenditures for the third quarter.

4. Risks and uncertainties

WAGE approaches risk as an integral part of its planning process, recognizing the need for strong risk management in all of its operations, as well as at the corporate level. The department’s corporate risk profile, review of budgetary challenges, management practices and risk mitigation strategies continue to be monitored by its senior management.

5. Significant changes in relation to operations, personnel and programs

There were no significant changes in relation to operations, personnel and programs during the quarter.

6. Approval by Senior Officials

Approved, as required by the Policy on Financial Management:

Statement of Authorities (unaudited)

Departmental budgetary expenditures by Standard Object (unaudited)