Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)

Since 2016, SSC has been applying GBA+ in all Treasury Board Submissions and Memoranda to Cabinet, including the integration of GBA+ requirements into the 2018 Budget submission. This integration has allowed SSC to include accountability measures that ensure GBA+ is applied in departmental decision-making processes. In 2019−20, SSC will continue building its framework to support GBA+ in the organization.

SSC’s use of GBA+ guides procurement activities that support the IT infrastructure for the Government of Canada to ensure fair and equitable practices and promote accessibility in IT system implementation. It also guides recruitment activities that take diversity into consideration. SSC’s Diversity and Inclusion Team track and address persistent gaps that remain in the department, specifically women in the Computer Science (CS) group. GBA+ will continue to be used to support the implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as to include intersectional analysis in policies, programs and procurement activities.

In the fall of 2017, responsibility for GBA+ at SSC was assumed by the Human Resources and Workplace (HRW) directorate. Members of HRW work towards ensuring that GBA+ is incorporated in all policy decisions. Governance is provided by the GBA+ Responsibility Centre as well as through input from the Employment Equity advisory committees.

The GBA+ Responsibility Centre, comprises two FTEs, and will continue to promote GBA+ awareness and contribute to the advancement of GBA+ goals.

Three employees in HRW contribute to the advancement of GBA+ goals on a part-time basis. They are qualified to assist in GBA+ work, as required. Training has included the:

• Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) Premium GBA+ pilot course
• Introductory GBA+ online course
• Capacity Enhancement Training for GBA+ Advisors
• CSPS event - ‘One Year On: Updates on the New Approach to Memoranda to Cabinet’; and
• CSPS ‘Executive Panel on GBA+: Beyond the Theory’

SSC has a departmental GBA+ Focal Point in HRW. This serves as a point of contact for questions about GBA+, and supports its implementation within the department. Through the Focal Point SSC is represented on the Status of Women’s interdepartmental committee on GBA+. SSC also participates in two cluster networks: Science, Economics and Research; and Defence and Security. GBA+ is discussed internally with Champions, and at the Employment Equity advisory committees.

In 2019−20, GBA+ will continue to be applied and monitored, where required (i.e., in all Treasury Board Submissions, Memorandums to Cabinet, etc.). Data related to Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will continue to be collected and tracked through HRW. Focus will be placed on ensuring fair and equitable practices in procurement initiatives, promoting accessibility in IT system implementation and ensuring that SSC is compliant with the Employment Equity Act through the implementation of the departmental 2019−22 Employment Equity Action Plan.

SSC will also work to finalize and approve the department’s official GBA+ implementation plan which will clarify the roles and responsibilities for GBA+ in the department and include expansion of the GBA+ Responsibility Centre. Performance will be monitored through HRW and assessed against the successful implementation of activities and indicators identified in the GBA+ plan.