2023-2024 Future Oriented Statement of Operations
For the Year Ending March 31, 2024

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (unaudited)
for the year ending March 31
(in dollars)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations.

Notes to the Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (unaudited)

1. Methodology and significant assumptions

The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared on the basis of the government’s priorities and departmental plans as described in the Departmental Plan.

The information in the forecast results for fiscal year 2022-2023 is based on actual results as at December 31, 2022 and on forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year. Forecasts have been made for the planned results for fiscal year 2023-2024.

The main assumptions underlying the forecasts are as follows:

• Unused funds in 2022-23 are being forecast as a result of conservative measures to implementing the Agency’s growth, due to the timing of new funding being approved.
• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement proposed funding for the Agency over five years beginning in 2023–24. Year 2023–24 marks a notable increase in funding from 2022–23 levels. The funding will allow for continued delivery of the impact assessment process and improve efficiency in order to respond to a growing number of major projects being proposed.
• Total Agency operational expenses will increase by $27 million, or 24 percent, based on the Agency’s forecasted expenditures. This variance is due to the proposed funding from the 2022 Fall Economic Statement. The $2.7 million in planned revenues are forecasted cost recoveries from panel reviews.
• Expenses and revenues, including the determination of amounts internal and external to the government, are based on past experience.
• Allowances are based on historical experience and the most up-to-date information possible.

These assumptions are valid as of January 1, 2023.

2. Variations and changes to forecast financial information

Although every attempt has been made to forecast final results for the remainder of 2022-2023 and for 2023-2024, actual results achieved for both years are likely to differ from the forecast information presented, and this variance could be material.

In preparing this Future-Oriented Statement of Operations, the Agency has made estimates and assumptions about the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and assumptions are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are continually evaluated.

Factors that could lead to material differences between the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and the historical statement of operations include:

• Labor market for skilled and specialized personnel.
• The implementation of new collective agreements.
• Economic conditions, which may affect both the amount of revenue earned and the collectability of receivables.
• Other changes to the operating budget, such as new initiatives or technical adjustments later in the fiscal year.

After the Departmental Plan is tabled in Parliament, the Agency will not be updating the forecasts for any changes in financial resources made in ensuing supplementary estimates. Variances will be explained in the Departmental Results Report.

3. Summary of significant accounting policies

The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared using the Government of Canada’s accounting policies in effect for fiscal year 2022-2023, and is based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

a) Expenses

The Agency records expenses on an accrual basis.

Transfer payments are recorded as an expense in the year the transfer is authorized, and all eligibility criteria have been met by the recipient.

Other expenses are generally recorded when goods are received or services are rendered and include expenses related to personnel, professional and special services, repair and maintenance, utilities, materials and supplies, as well as amortization of tangible capital assets. Provisions to reflect changes in the value of assets or liabilities, such as provisions for bad debts, loans, investments and advances and inventory obsolescence, as well as utilization of inventories and prepaid expenses, and others are also included in other expenses.

b) Revenues

Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized based on the services provided in the fiscal year.

Funds received from external parties for specified purposes are recorded upon receipt as deferred revenue. These revenues are recognized in the period in which the related expenses are incurred.

Deferred revenue consists of amounts received in advance of the delivery of goods and rendering of services that will be recognized as revenue in a subsequent fiscal year as it is earned.

Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenues occurred. Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the department’s liabilities. Although the deputy head is expected to maintain accounting control, he or she has no authority over the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented as a reduction of the department’s gross revenues.

4. Parliamentary authorities

The Agency is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the Agency differs from financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles because authorities are based mainly on cash flow requirements. Items recognized in the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the Agency has different net cost of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables: