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Gender-based analysis plus
In this section
Introduction
In 2018, Parliament passed the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act. The departmental plans and departmental results reports are being used to fulfill the President of the Treasury Board's obligations to make public, every year, analysis on the impacts of expenditure programs on gender and diversity.
Each organization is responsible for conducting their own Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus)
The Policy on Results indicates that Program officials, as designated by Deputy Heads, are responsible for ensuring data collection for meeting policy requirements.
Applicability
All organizations must complete GBA Plus supplementary information tables in departmental plans and departmental results reports on an annual basis.
Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity
Governance
Statistics Canada is furthering its commitment to increase the application of GBA Plus analysis across all agency data, surveys, programs, initiatives and services. The following key actions were taken to advance the implementation of GBA Plus governance at Statistics Canada:
- The agency's GBA Plus Champion, GBA Plus Responsibility Network and GBA Plus Community of Practice promoted GBA Plus internally and internationally.
- Statistics Canada represented Canada as a member of the United Nations Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Gender Statistics.
- The agency maintained intradepartmental networks of gender equality focal points, and GBA Plus champions were appointed across most fields.
- Representatives from each field participated in GBA Plus Responsibility Network and GBA Plus Community of Practice interdepartmental meetings.
- A GBA Plus strategy that addresses the agency's implementation and awareness of GBA Plus is currently in progress.
- A GBA Plus review was conducted on memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and budget proposals and submitted to the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics for confirmation that all mandatory central agency requirements for GBA Plus were met.
- Statistics Canada was an active member in Women and Gender Equality Canada's GBA Plus Learning Advisory Committee and GBA Plus Interdepartmental Committee. Both committees provide an opportunity to highlight each department's gains, learn from experts and increase linkages across key governance GBA Plus networks, while keeping Statistics Canada informed of other departmental GBA Plus initiatives.
Capacity
Statistics Canada continued to increase its GBA Plus capacity and kept implementing its Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP). The DDAP prioritizes the collection of diversity data (e.g., data that may be broken down by sex or gender, as well as data about Indigenous peoples, racialized groups and people with disabilities) across Statistics Canada's programs. The DDAP also emphasizes Statistics Canada's responsibility to continually identify and address data and knowledge gaps and support representative data collection across the country, across age groups and at various levels of geography. In these ways, the DDAP is a key enabler for GBA Plus and intersectional analysis. Such analyses provide much-needed information on the experiences and outcomes of Canadians. In turn, this information allows for more informed decision making, more equitable delivery of programs and services, and the tracking of progress toward a fairer and more inclusive society.
Statistics Canada's Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics (CGDIS) is responsible for reporting to Canadians, generating new information, and building GBA Plus knowledge and capacity. The CGDIS supported and engaged with an array of stakeholders to better understand their perspectives and data needs; provide methodological advice and analytic expertise in areas related to gender, diversity and inclusion in Canada; and increase GBA Plus knowledge and capacity, both internally and externally. Additionally, the CGDIS continued leading the agency-wide GBA Plus Responsibility Network to keep developing effective programs and initiatives, an important step toward increased capacity and further GBA Plus implementation throughout the agency—in terms of the data, people and internal processes at Statistics Canada, as well as for those who rely on the agency's trusted data, analytical products and insights. The CGDIS also implemented a community of practice to provide a communication channel to share best practices and case studies on how to implement the GBA Plus concept in any strategy or initiative.
In 2023–24, the scope of the CGDIS increased to support the DDAP—including to review, develop and promote diversity-related statistical standards; support several Government of Canada initiatives (e.g., Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy, the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan); and produce a great number of statistical products and insights. To help increase GBA Plus capacity, the CGDIS, GBA Plus Responsibility Network and GBA Plus Community of Practice continue to make training available to all employees and work to improve the quality of GBA Plus assessments undertaken in support of government initiatives. More recently, Statistics Canada released the article "Prevalence of low income among persons in one-parent families headed by an immigrant parent: An intersectional analysis" and an infographic titled, "Who are the sandwich caregivers in Canada?" Both highlight GBA Plus identity factors, such as immigrant status and gender, resulting in more intersectional statistical products for Canadians.
Statistics Canada owes its success to its talented, diverse and inclusive workforce. To best support its workforce, the agency continued to follow its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Accountability Framework, which increases its accountability to employment equity committees, and better serve employees through clearly identified roles and responsibilities. The agency also continued to implement the 2021–2025 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan: Moving Forward Together, as well as the Integrity and Respect Action Plan. Both action plans aim to improve and promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace, eliminate systemic barriers in appointment processes, and increase representation at all levels across the agency.
In 2023–24, Statistics Canada made substantial progress in advancing GBA Plus capacity through the following actions:
- Subject-matter experts had access to advice from colleagues with specialized competencies, as well as Women and Gender Equality Canada's dedicated GBA Plus resource centre, which served the agency's GBA Plus focal points.
- The agency developed a new GBA Plus-related frequently asked questions page on the intranet for employees.
- The CGDIS continued to develop and build knowledge on GBA Plus, as well as gender, diversity and inclusion in Canada.
- The intranet page "Using the acronyms 2SLGBTQI+ and 2SLGBTQ+" was released as a guide for Statistics Canada employees to better understand when to use the different acronyms, depending on the policy and data context. This initiative highlights the "Plus" of GBA Plus, which often receives less focus within GBA Plus circles.
- Recent initiatives were launched, such as an information sheet titled, "Gender-based Analysis Plus: Optimizing data disaggregation and analysis," which aimed to help understand how the DDAP and GBA Plus support each other.
- StatCan-specific tools and resources were developed, and tools developed by Women and Gender Equality Canada were disseminated to help employees apply GBA Plus to their work (e.g., checklists, guides, templates, toolkits).
Future work at Statistics Canada will focus on various intersectional identity factors, including, but not limited to, intersex and racialized populations. This work underscores Statistics Canada's commitment to enhancing GBA Plus analysis and insights going forward.
Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus
0.5 full-time equivalents.
The agency also has the following resources who support GBA Plus implementation:
- one GBA Plus Champion at the assistant director level whose main role is to provide updates on GBA Plus to senior management and to be the spokesperson for initiatives and results
- one representative from each branch who acts as a liaison to identify existing or upcoming initiatives
- one resource for the GBA Plus Community of Practice to promote GBA Plus highlights across the agency.
It is important to note that these resources are not working full time on GBA Plus, but rather supporting related initiatives in addition to their assigned regular workload.
Section 2: Gender and diversity impacts, by program
Core responsibility: Statistical information
Program name: Censuses
Program goals
The Censuses program provides statistical information and analyses that measure changes in the Canadian population and its demographic characteristics, and in the agricultural sector. The program includes the Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture.
Target population
All Canadians
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By income level | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By age group | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
Key program impacts on gender and diversity
Statistics Canada's Censuses program is cyclical and includes an array of activities (e.g., consultation and engagement, questionnaire development, data collection, data processing, and dissemination) that must be completed to ensure its success. From start to finish, each census cycle spans approximately seven years, with cycles overlapping (i.e., when one cycle is nearing completion, the next cycle begins). For example, the 2021 Census of Population Program will conclude in 2024–25 with an evaluation of the dissemination results, while the 2026 Census of Population Program began in 2022–23.
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsCensuses table 2 footnote 1 | Data source | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of GBA Plus-related statistical products (e.g., catalogued products, such as data tables, research articles, studies, fact sheets, infographics, interactive dashboards, reference products, public use microdata files, minor and major releases disseminated through The Daily) made available on Statistics Canada's website | 198 | Administrative data file | In the context of this GBA Plus Supplementary Information Table for fiscal year 2023–24, results reflect where the reporting period is within the census cycle. Note that census releases tend to be disseminated throughout, and within, one to two fiscal years, meaning that zero observed results will be reported for years that did not include one or more census releases. |
| Number of GBA Plus outreach activities (e.g., consultations, presentations) for external stakeholders (e.g., other government departments, academia, non-governmental organizations) | 0 | ||
| Number of training and awareness initiatives related to GBA Plus | 0 | ||
| Number of surveys or other collection tools collecting data on the following GBA Plus identity factors: gender and sexual orientation | 0 | GBA Plus factors considered in the calculation of this performance indicator include one or more of the following intersectional identity characteristics: sex, gender, age, geography, language, income, Indigenous identity, 2SLGBTQ+ status, education, race, ethnicity, religion and disability status. | |
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GBA Plus data collection plan
In 2023–24, data requirements to measure impacts have been completed. Statistics Canada continues to actively review and analyze the set of measures to identify gaps and improvements where possible.
Program name: Centres of Expertise
Program goals
The centres of expertise support all Statistics Canada programs to ensure that Canadian citizens, businesses, governments, universities and other institutions have access to the most detailed, timely and accurate information at the lowest cost possible—both in terms of dollars and response burden—while protecting the privacy of their information. The centres undertake innovative research, analysis and data development activities and continually seek new data sources, leading-edge methods and systems, cost-effective operations, and new statistical products to address the current and future information needs of Canadians. For the 2023–24 fiscal year, Statistics Canada's internal services were added to the Centres of Expertise program since they provide services and guidance to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. The metrics for the Centres of Expertise program now include internal services and centres of expertise with GBA Plus-integrated services, policies, programs, initiatives and events.
Target population
All Canadians
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By income level | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By age group | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsCentres of Expertise table 2 footnote 1 | Data source | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of GBA Plus-related statistical products (e.g., catalogued products, such as data tables, research articles, studies, fact sheets, infographics, interactive dashboards, reference products, public use microdata files, minor and major releases disseminated through The Daily) made available on Statistics Canada's website | 45 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of GBA Plus outreach activities (e.g., consultations, presentations) for external stakeholders (e.g., other government departments, academia, non-governmental organizations) | 4 | Administrative data files | |
| Number of training and awareness initiatives related to GBA Plus | 18 | Administrative data files | |
| Number of surveys or other collection tools collecting data on the following GBA Plus identity factors: gender and sexual orientation | 0 | Administrative data files | GBA Plus factors considered in the calculation of this performance indicator include one or more of the following intersectional identity characteristics: sex, gender, age, geography, language, income, Indigenous identity, 2SLGBTQ+ status, education, race, ethnicity, religion and disability status. |
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GBA Plus data collection plan
In 2023–24, data requirements to measure impacts have been completed. Statistics Canada continues to actively review and analyze the set of measures to identify gaps and improvements where possible.
Program name: Cost-recovered Statistical Services
Program goals
Through the Cost-recovered Statistical Services program, Statistics Canada conducts special surveys to gather new data; produces high-quality statistics that are currently not part of the agency's data holdings; and conducts on-demand special analytical projects to meet specific needs of federal, provincial and territorial institutions and other clients.
Target population
All Canadians
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By income level | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By age group | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsCost-recovered Statistical Services table 2 footnote 1 | Data source | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of GBA Plus-related statistical products (e.g., catalogued products, such as data tables, research articles, studies, fact sheets, infographics, interactive dashboards, reference products, public use microdata files, minor and major releases disseminated through The Daily) made available on Statistics Canada's website | 20 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of GBA Plus outreach activities (e.g., consultations, presentations) for external stakeholders (e.g., other government departments, academia, non-governmental organizations) | 0 | ||
| Number of training and awareness initiatives related to GBA Plus | 0 | ||
| Number of surveys or other collection tools collecting data on the following GBA Plus identity factors: gender and sexual orientation | 0 | GBA Plus factors considered in the calculation of this performance indicator include one or more of the following intersectional identity characteristics: sex, gender, age, geography, language, income, Indigenous identity, 2SLGBTQ+ status, education, race, ethnicity, religion and disability status. | |
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GBA Plus data collection plan
In 2023–24, data requirements to measure impacts have been completed. Statistics Canada continues to actively review and analyze the set of measures to identify gaps and improvements where possible.
Program name: Economic and Environmental Statistics
Program goals
The Economic and Environmental Statistics program produces a wide range of economic and environmental statistics, such as on national and international accounts, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, research and development, price indexes, finance, tourism, transportation, agriculture, and the environment.
Target population
All Canadians
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By income level | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By age group | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsEconomic and Environmental Statistics table 2 footnote 1 | Data source | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of GBA Plus-related statistical products (e.g., catalogued products, such as data tables, research articles, studies, fact sheets, infographics, interactive dashboards, reference products, public use microdata files, minor and major releases disseminated through The Daily) made available on Statistics Canada's website | 101 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of GBA Plus outreach activities (e.g., consultations, presentations) for external stakeholders (e.g., other government departments, academia, non-governmental organizations) | 22 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of training and awareness initiatives related to GBA Plus | 0 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of surveys or other collection tools collecting data on the following GBA Plus identity factors: gender and sexual orientation | 7 | Administrative data file | GBA Plus factors considered in the calculation of this performance indicator include one or more of the following intersectional identity characteristics: sex, gender, age, geography, language, income, Indigenous identity, 2SLGBTQ+ status, education, race, ethnicity, religion and disability status. |
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GBA Plus data collection plan
In 2023–24, data requirements to measure impacts have been completed. Statistics Canada continues to actively review and analyze the set of measures to identify gaps and improvements where possible.
Program name: Socio-economic Statistics
Program goals
The Socio-economic Statistics program provides integrated information and relevant analysis on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of individuals, families and households, as well as on the major factors that affect their well-being. Many of the statistical products produced allow for GBA Plus analyses for key population groups.
Target population
All Canadians
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By income level | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
| By age group | The program's target population is all Canadians, and the distribution of benefits is equal by gender, income level and age. |
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed resultsSocio-economic Statistics table 2 footnote 1 | Data source | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of GBA Plus-related statistical products (e.g., catalogued products, such as data tables, research articles, studies, fact sheets, infographics, interactive dashboards, reference products, public use microdata files, minor and major releases disseminated through The Daily) made available on Statistics Canada's website | 623 | Administrative data file | GBA Plus factors considered in the calculation of this performance indicator include one or more of the following intersectional identity characteristics: sex, gender, age, geography, language, income, Indigenous identity, 2SLGBTQ+ status, education, race, ethnicity, religion and disability status. |
| Number of GBA Plus outreach activities (e.g., consultations, presentations) for external stakeholders (e.g., other government departments, academia, non-governmental organizations) | 6 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of training and awareness initiatives related to GBA Plus | 12 | Administrative data files | |
| Number of surveys or other collection tools collecting data on the following GBA Plus identity factors: gender and sexual orientation | 77 | Administrative data file | GBA Plus factors considered in the calculation of this performance indicator include one or more of the following intersectional identity characteristics: sex, gender, age, geography, language, income, Indigenous identity, 2SLGBTQ+ status, education, race, ethnicity, religion and disability status. |
| Number of visits to the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub in 2023–24Socio-economic Statistics table 2 footnote 2 | 39,743 | Administrative data file | |
| Number of Gender Results Framework indicators released by sex or gender in 2023–24Socio-economic Statistics table 2 footnote 2 | 2 | Statistics Canada's website | |
| Number of Gender Results Framework indicators released by sex or gender and other identity factors in 2023–24Socio-economic Statistics table 2 footnote 2 | 2 | Statistics Canada's website | |
| Percentage of programs from the program inventory, excluding internal services, that have data collection plans for reporting on impacts on gender and diversity?Socio-economic Statistics table 2 footnote 2 | 100% | Statistics Canada's website | |
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GBA Plus data collection plan
In 2023–24, data requirements to measure impacts have been completed. Statistics Canada continues to actively review and analyze the set of measures to identify gaps and improvements where possible.
Definitions
Scales
Gender scale
- First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
- Second group: 60% to 79% men
- Third group: broadly gender-balanced
- Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
- Fifth group: predominantly women (80% or more women)
Income‑level scale
- First group: strongly benefits low‑income individuals (strongly progressive)
- Second group: somewhat benefits low‑income individuals (somewhat progressive)
- Third group: no significant distributional impacts
- Fourth group: somewhat benefits high‑income individuals (somewhat regressive)
- Fifth group: strongly benefits high‑income individuals (strongly regressive)
Age‑group scale
- First group: primarily benefits youth, children or future generations
- Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
- Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation
Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
In this section
- Response to parliamentary committees
- Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
- Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Response to parliamentary committees
There were no parliamentary committee reports in 2023–24 requiring a response.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
There were no audits in 2023–24 requiring a response.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2023–24 requiring a response.