Publication

Operating Context 2025-26

The Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS) continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its clients and the increasing complexity of intergovernmental conferences. In 2023-24, CICS supported 126 conferences, including a 56% increase in Minister-level meetings and a 119% rise in Provincial-Territorial conferences compared to the prior year. Hybrid conferences (50.8%) nearly equaled videoconferences (49.2%), reflecting a growing client preference for flexible and accessible formats. Additionally, the Program Evaluation is expected to be completed in early 2025-26, and CICS will begin implementing its three-year transformation strategy designed to enhance service delivery and better address client needs.

While conference activity surged, CICS faced critical challenges related to resource constraints, modernizing aging infrastructure, and increasing operational costs. The growing demand for hybrid conferencing revealed significant gaps in technical capacity and staffing, which required prioritization of conference requests and put pressure on service delivery. A temporary supplemental budget helped alleviate some of these pressures, but risks related to funding gaps and long-term sustainability remain.

CICS faces several key risks as it navigates this evolving landscape. Resource limitations, driven by inflation and rising operational costs, have left critical infrastructure upgrades and staffing needs underfunded. Without sustained investment, the agency risks a decline in client satisfaction and reduced service capacity. Workforce challenges further compound this issue, as attracting and retaining skilled employees in a small agency with limited upward mobility remains difficult. High turnover and retirements threaten the loss of institutional knowledge, while recruitment delays could impact the ability to meet increasing demand. The operational shift to hybrid formats continues to demand ongoing enhancements to IT systems and logistical processes. Without further innovation, CICS may struggle to meet client expectations for seamless and efficient conference delivery. Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with federal, provincial, and territorial stakeholders is essential to preserving CICS’ neutrality and relevance. Failure to actively engage these partners could diminish its role in facilitating intergovernmental collaboration.

Despite these risks, CICS remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible conference services and fostering productive intergovernmental discussions. Objectives for 2025-26 include advancing strategic resource planning to ensure financial sustainability, enhancing workforce capacity through cross-training and succession planning, and driving innovation in service delivery to meet evolving client needs. Key initiatives included a commitment to developing a comprehensive conference policy, refining its cost allocation framework, and advancing IT upgrades to support hybrid conferencing effectively. CICS also made significant strides in institutional renewal by introducing strategic engagements with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to refine governance structures and operational models.

By focusing on these strategic priorities, CICS aims to sustain its reputation for service excellence while positioning itself for long-term success. These efforts will ensure that the agency continues to provide essential support for intergovernmental collaboration, contributing to its relevance and resilience in an increasingly complex operating environment.