Publication

Gender-based analysis plus

Section 1: institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

The Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat’s (CICS) only program is to provide continuity of planning and archival services, and impartial logistical support for federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) and provincial-territorial (PT) conferences of first ministers, ministers, and deputy ministers, throughout Canada.

CICS does not work directly with the public, nor does it choose its clientele in any sense; it works in close collaboration to support its clients, which are other federal, provincial, and territorial government departments. CICS is called upon to respond to decisions taken by governments to meet on key national or specific issues; decisions concerning the content, participants, and location of such meetings are beyond the control of the Secretariat.

Capacity

In 2024–25, CICS advanced its GBA Plus capacity through a series of measures integrated into the organization’s learning and operational practices. All employees maintained mandatory training on diversity and inclusion and unconscious bias in their learning plans, complemented by additional awareness sessions on accessibility and equity. Implementation of the 2023–25 Accessibility Plan led to tangible progress, including the creation of an Accessibility Officer role, updated onboarding materials clarifying accommodation processes, installation of emergency fire alarm strobes and handrails, and new processes for alternate-format communications. These measures supported a more inclusive workplace and improved accessibility in conference delivery.

Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus

In 2024–25, CICS had 0.25 FTE dedicated to GBA Plus-related governance and capacity building.

Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core responsibility: Intergovernmental Conference Services

Program name: Conference Services

Program goals: The program provides impartial logistical and planning services for intergovernmental conferences, enabling federal, provincial, and territorial governments to focus on policy discussions. While the program does not directly deliver services to the public, it integrates accessibility and inclusivity measures into conference planning and support.

Target population: Indirectly, all Canadians benefit from effective intergovernmental dialogue. Directly, the program serves federal, provincial, and territorial governments and their first ministers, ministers, and deputy ministers.

Specific demographic group(s) to be monitored

Not applicable. CICS does not collect client demographic data, as the Secretariat does not select participants or determine the content of meetings.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity

Not available. CICS does not directly impact gender and diversity outcomes, as its program is focused on providing neutral conferencing support. However, indirect impacts are observed through enhanced accessibility measures (e.g., accessible document formats, WCAG-compliant conference management system, accessibility checklists for conferences) which support equitable participation in intergovernmental meetings.

GBA Plus data collection plan

CICS does not collect disaggregated data on conference participants, as meeting content, participants, and location are determined by governments. However, CICS will continue to integrate accessibility considerations into conference planning tools and systems, monitor satisfaction feedback from organizers and participants, and leverage the Accessibility Plan to guide future improvements. Internal systems, such as the new Conference Management System launched in 2024–25, have been designed with accessibility in mind and can support better tracking of service delivery impacts over time.