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Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security - Department of National Defence progress report - 2021-2022

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Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) recognize that armed conflict, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises affect diverse groups of women, men, girls, boys and gender-diverse people differently. As noted in Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE), diversity in participation is vital to achieving and sustaining peace, and has a tangible impact on the operational effectiveness of our forces. Diverse military personnel broaden the range of skills and capacities, improve the delivery of peace and security tasks, enhance situational awareness and early-warning by facilitating outreach to communities, and improve a military force’s accessibility, credibility, and effectiveness in working among local populations.

As such, DND/CAF is committed to being a strong partner with ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (GAC) in putting diversity at the centre of Government of Canada (GC) efforts to prevent and resolve conflict. Implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and related resolutions and conducting Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to inform our policies, training/education, and operations are moral and operational imperatives that will contribute to a culture of respect internally while increasing DND/CAF effectiveness as it delivers on its mandate.

DND/CAF support for Canada’s Action Plan builds on a number of directives and initiatives – as set out in SSE – aimed at informing our internal policies and operations at home and abroad with findings from GBA Plus, notably as it relates to recruitment, diversity, culture and professional conduct, training/education, and military operations plans and execution. DND/CAF is using targets and indicators to track our progress as we implement our strategies.

Over the course of Canada’s renewed Action Plan 2017-2022, DND/CAF is focusing on implementing and tracking these initiatives with a view to delivering results – for example, to further integrate GBA Plus requirements within DND/CAF infrastructure, procurement and science processes, meet diversity recruitment and retention targets, and increase the number of uniformed women deployed on international operations and in decision-making positions. DND/CAF is also committed to enhancing a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees, addressing systemic misconduct, including sexual misconduct, hateful conduct, harassment and discrimination. DND/CAF, as a committed partner, has identified a number of priority activities to support the ongoing implementation of the Action Plan, consistent with SSE.

These activities are organized around the following themes:

Each of these themes have specific targets that are reported on annually. Below is a detailed list of DND/CAF targets for the Action Plan 2017-2022 – including baselines, activities, and indicators to measure progress.

The departmental report below covers the period of April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Section I: Governance and accountability

Context

DND/CAF continues to establish and update departmental directives, policies and guidelines to ensure that the tenets of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, using GBA Plus, are embedded in all processes, policies, plans, and associated documentation.

DND/CAF is committed to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and to ensuring that we continue to advance gender equality, both within the institution at home, and abroad. The Defence Team leadership will continue to work with like-minded partners to promote human rights, advocate for the advancement of the WPS Agenda when we engage bilaterally or in multi-national fora and ensure that gender perspectives are woven into our daily activities.

Target 1.1: Fully institutionalize the integration of gender perspectives using GBA Plus in DND and CAF

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track (on-going)

Baseline

The January 2016 Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Directive for Integrating UNSCR 1325 and Related Resolutions into CAF Planning and Operations, and the January 2018 Deputy Minister (DM)’s Policy Statement on Diversity and Inclusion provide direction for the implementation of the WPS Agenda through the mainstreaming of GBA Plus in all DND/CAF activities.

Activities

1.1.1 Integrate gender perspectivesFootnote 2 using GBA Plus into Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board and associated Cabinet submissions, policy documents, appropriation directions, procurement requirements, project proposals, strategies, operational plans, operational orders, exercises, and related peace and security activities.

1.1.2 Establish the DND Gender Diversity and Inclusion DirectorateFootnote 3 to support the integration of GBA Plus and gender and diversity into all Defence activities as directed in SSE.Footnote 4

1.1.3 Publish a Joint Directive to provide guidance to the Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs) and Commanders (CAF L1s) on systematically integrating GBA Plus within each organization.Footnote 5 

1.1.4 Mandate ADMs to establish senior Gender Focal Points and to develop a GBA Plus transition plan for integrating GBA Plus into existing and future policies, projects, programs, and initiatives.Footnote 6

1.1.5 Establish a Gender Advisor (GENAD) and/or gender focal point within each DND and CAF organization, and large operation.Footnote 7

Indicators

1.1.1 Number of CAF L1s that have established a GENAD.

1.1.2 Number of DND Senior Gender Focal Points.

Completed activities and results

Given completion of Activity 1.1.2, 1.1.4. and 1.1.5 in prior years and the removal of 1.1.3, reporting below is against 1.1.1.

Target 1.2: Effective support for and implementation of the CAF Employment Equity (EE) Plan

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

Attention required

Baseline

CAF Diversity Strategy and the CDS approved Action Plan as per January 2017.

Activities

1.2.1 Promote attainment of (EE) within the CAF through a better understanding of barriers and the use of tools to support EE.

1.2.2 Allocate, with support and commitment of leadership, appropriate resources and capabilities to effectively implement the CAF EE Plan.

Indicators

1.2.1 Number of cyclical meetings of EE supporting committee and Defence Advisory Group (DAG) meetings conducted.

1.2.2 Number of EE Implementation Task Table initiatives implemented.

1.2.3 Percentage of Bases/Wings with active DAGs.

1.2.4 Trends in EE and Diversity based on surveys conducted during the reporting period.

Completed activities and results

DAGS representation by locations

Newfoundland and Labrador

CFB Gander

  • DIAG
  • DWAO

CFB Goose Bay

  • DAGPWD
  • DIAG
  • DWAO

Nova Scotia

CFB Greenwood

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Halifax / CFB Shearwater

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

New Brunswick

CFB Gagetown

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Quebec

CFB Valcartier

  • DAGPWD
  • DIAG

CFB Bagotville

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Montreal

  • DAGPWD
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Saint-Jean

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Ontario

CFB Petawawa

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB North Bay

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Trenton

  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Kingston

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Borden

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Meaford

  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Ottawa

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Toronto

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Manitoba

CFB Winnipeg

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Shilo

  • DAGPWD
  • DIAG
  • DWAO

Saskatchewan

CFB Moose Jaw

  • DAGPWD
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

Alberta

CFB Edmonton

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Cold Lake

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Suffield

  • DAGPWD
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Wainwright

Calgary

  • DVMAG

British Columbia

CFB Esquimalt

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Comox

  • DAGPWD
  • DWAO
  • DTPAO

CFB Vancouver

  • DVMAG
  • DIAG
  • DTPAO

Yukon

JTFN Whitehorse

JTFN Yellowknife

  • DAGPWD
  • DVMAG
  • DTPAO
CAF EE long term goals for 2026
CAF EE short term goals for December 1, 2022
CAF EE representation rates for 2021-2022
CAF Representation rates for Reg F and Pres

Target 1.3: DND and CAF engage with like-minded foreign defence and security organizations on implementing the tenets of Women, Peace, and Security.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track (on-going)

Baseline

DND/CAF engages with partner nations who have committed to increasing engagement in promoting the WPS agenda through several bilateral and multilateral meetings.

Activities

1.3.1 Engage with the international defence community to support the participation and leadership of women in delivering peace and security efforts.

1.3.2 Continue to support the engagement of senior DND and CAF champions and key staff in leading and promoting the WPS agenda in international fora, such as UN, NATO, Five Eyes (FVYE – coalition comprised of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States).

1.3.3 Share knowledge and expertise on gender equality and gender norms with Canadian defence and military experts and stakeholders.

Indicators

1.3.1 Number of gender conferences conducted or participated in.

1.3.2 Number of senior/key leaders’ resources to speak at international forums on gender practices with National Defence.

1.3.3 Membership on international committees, such as the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP), UN committees and subcommittees, and senior Defence related meetings that provide the opportunity to contribute to dialogue on gender perspectives in the military.

Completed activities and results

Target 1.4: Enhanced DND/CAF monitoring and reporting on the integration of gender perspectives and GBA Plus.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track

Baseline

A GBA Plus planning and reporting section is integrated into the DND and CAF Departmental Plan and Departmental Results Report, and the UNSCR 1325 Implementation Working Group (UIWG) is established.

Activities

1.4.1 Continue to hold quarterly UIWG meetings to discuss, solicit input, and share challenges and best practices in implementing UNSCR 1325 and related resolutions in the CAF.

1.4.2 Hold quarterly DND GFP Network meetings to monitor the progress of the department in   integrating GBA Plus and gender perspectivesFootnote 9.

1.4.3 Collect gender and diversity-sensitive data across DND/CAF.

Indicators

1.4.1 Number of intra-departmental and interdepartmental working groups with a GBA PLUS or WPS agenda nexus

Completed activities and results

Section II: Recruitment and retention

Context

Further to the CDS Directive on Recruitment, the CAF continues to seek to increase the number of women within the CAF, and in turn the number of women available to be promoted to senior positions, and for deployment. Recruiting processes including advertising, wait process times, job availability, application procedures, testing, and medical and fitness standards are all aspects that affect the decision process of a potential new recruit. In addition, aspects such as family balance, job enjoyment, selection for professional development, velocity of promotion, and having a safe and harassment free work environment are all factors that contribute to making the CAF an attractive employer for potential new members.

Target 2.1: Increase the percentage of women in the Canadian military by 1% per year to achieve a desired goal of 25.1% by the end of FY 2026.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

Attention required

Baseline

Percentage of women in the Canadian military was 15.5%Footnote 10 as of March 2018.

Activities

2.1.1. Identify barriers in order to streamline the application process, including wait times for testing, medical examination, offer of employment, and enrollment to support the recruitment of women who select a career in the military.

2.1.2 Enhance the recruiting campaign and advertising to target women to join the military with emphasis on both common and unique employment opportunities.

2.1.3 Increase the availability of both Women Champions as well as a cross section of serving women to attend and participate in events that promote women in the military and their achievements within all trades, with emphasis on non-traditional jobs such as the infantry, artillery, and related combat arms employment.

2.1.4 Establish a Strategic Intake Plan (SIP) for women by year to include women-centric recruiting programs.

Indicators

2.1.1 Number of women who apply to the CAF out of total number of applications received.

2.1.2 Number of women who are given an offer of employment out of the total number of women who apply.

2.1.3 Percentage of women who join for non-traditional employment.

2.1.4 Reasons for which applicants disengaged from the recruitment process.

Completed activities and results

Prospects - WomenFiscal Year
2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023*
Reg F10,18812,92410,3414,459
Total36,66245,62638,02815,146
% of Prospects27.79%28.33%27.19%29.44%
* As of September 20, 2022.
Enrolments - WomenFiscal Year
2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023*
Reg F918493688293
P Res948442555271
COATs181686041
Total204710031303605
% of Enrolments19.50%23.60%16.20%18.10%
* As of September 20, 2022.
Enrolments - MenFiscal Year
2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023*
Reg F4253153040901649
P Res3932164026051021
COATs282697146
Total8467323967662716
% of Enrolments80.50%76.40%83.80%81.90%
* As of September 20, 2022.
Enrolments - TotalFiscal Year
2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023*
Reg F5171202347781939
P Res4880208231601291
COATs46313713187
Total10514424280693317
* As of September 20, 2022.

Target 2.2: Understand the major reason for women releasing from the CAF and eliminate/mitigate any issues if they are identified.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track

Baseline

In FY 2017/2018, 15.2% (1,091 out of 7,200) of CAF personnel who voluntary released were women.

Activities

2.2.1 Conduct departure/exit surveys/interviews.

2.2.1 Track and review release data.

2.2.1 Consult and exchange information with other militaries on trends and retention strategies and programs.

Indicators

2.2.1 Annual ratio of women to men who release from the CAF.

2.2.2 Trends or cluster issues causing women to release from the CAF.

Completed activities and results

Target 2.3: Increase the number and proportion of women at senior levels, Non-Commissioned Members, Officers and executive levels in DND and CAF.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

Attention required

Baseline

CAF EE Report 2015-2016 Schedule 6.

Activities

2.3.1 Select women for leadership and education training opportunities.

2.3.2 Maintain 15% presence of CAF women on UN operations as staff officers and in observer positions.

2.3.3 Develop a mentoring framework for all CAF members.

2.3.4 Monitor career progression of women in the CAF.

2.3.5 Incorporate GBA Plus considerations/review into CAF career management.

Indicators

2.3.1 Annual percentage of women officers by Military Occupation Groups promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant-Colonel/Commander (LCol/Cdr) and higher.

2.3.2 Annual percentage of women NCM by Military Occupation Groups who are promoted to the ranks of Master Warrant Officer/Chief Petty Officer or higher.

2.3.3 Percentage of women holding senior positions and appointments (Colonel/Captain (Navy) (Col/ (Capt (N)) or above).

2.3.4 Number of women appointed/filling Command team positions during the reporting period.

Completed activities and results

DND Public Service EXs

* Self-ID data as of 31 March 22.

Percentage of women

2019 to 2020

2020 to 2021

2021 to 2022

Section III: Training and education

Context

DND/CAF continues to integrate gender perspectives and awareness of the GBA Plus analytical tool as part of the curriculum for all relevant leadership, planning, and procurement courses provided to military and civilian staff. Training provided to foreign military staff through the Military Capability Training Program (MCTP) also includes this, as well as awareness and training on the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).

Target 3.1: Increased completion rate of the online GBA Plus Introduction course by all National Defence military and civilian staff.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track (on-going)

Baseline

Mandatory for all designated Canadian Armed Forces members.

Activities

3.1.1 Monitor GBA Plus related training received by DND/CAF members.

3.1.2  Through a Training Needs Assessment, identify if a National Defence focused GBA Plus advanced course for both the Operational and Strategic/Institutional level is warranted.

3.1.3 Promote the importance of GBA Plus analysis and support special GBA Plus information sessions such as GBA Plus Awareness week activities.

3.1.4 Actively support ADMs and CAF L1s by providing GBA Plus information briefs and presentations by gender advisors and gender focal points.

Indicators

3.1.1 Percentage of DND/CAF members that have completed the online GBA Plus Introduction Course.

3.1.2 Number of GBA Plus information briefs and presentations provided.

Completed activities and results

Target 3.2: Assess current gender and GBA Plus training and scope any additional training required.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track

Baseline

Gender Perspectives training is currently incorporated into 11 CAF courses, including pre-deployment training provided by the Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC) in Kingston, as well as courses provided by the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP).

Activities

3.2.1 Continuous review of all CAF leadership and pre-deployment training to ensure updated material on gender perspectives and GBA Plus is included.

3.2.2 Assess the need for periodic refresher training on GBA Plus.

3.2.3 Where possible, post CAF members to foreign peace support centers to enhance DND knowledge of gender.

Indicators

3.2.1 Number of CAF Developmental Period and DND courses that have curricula focused on gender perspectives.

3.2.2 Number of Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) courses delivered that have curricula focused on gender.

3.2.3 Number of CAF and DND staff who have completed gender courses, including at the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations, Gender Focal Point training, and courses offered by likeminded nations.

Completed activities and results

Section IV: Integration into operations

Context

Modern international and domestic operations require members of the CAF to interact with host nation forces and local populations. It is critical that CAF members understand how conflict can affect diverse populations of women, men, boys, girls, and gender-diverse people differently, and can identify risks by specific groups of people within local communities that could be incurred by engaging with military forces. As such, we must ensure our members have the right tools and mindset to deal effectively with diverse and often vulnerable populations. Due to cultural norms, religious affiliations or past experiences, some segments of the population may have difficulty interacting with military forces that are predominantly men. Thus, there is a need to ensure that adequate numbers of women military members are represented in key functions that may interact with diverse segments of the population. Integrating gender perspectives into military operations as well as deploying women at all rank levels is essential to achieving mission success - both in terms of contributing to peace and security and advancing gender equality.

Target 4.1: Promote and increase the number of uniformed women deployed to international operations (NATO, UN, and Coalition).

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

Mostly on track

Baseline

Women in conventional forces deployed on international operations calculated at approximately 10%.

Activities

4.1.1 Support the increase of women in Command of operations at the senior level.

4.1.2 Appoint women for senior command billets/positions.

Indicators

4.1.1 Number of senior women, officers and Non-Commissioned Members, deployed on operations.

4.1.2 Number of women posted Outside Canada program (OUTCAN) positions.

4.1.3 Number of women attending foreign staff colleges.

Completed activities and results

OperationWomenMenPersonnel

Calument

12

43

55

Caribbe

21

150

171

Crocodile

3

20

23

Foundation

5

24

29

Impact

71

380

451

Jade

0

8

8

Jute

0

0

0

Kobold

6

21

27

Neon

55

200

255

Presence (Uganda)

15

63

78

Presence (TPSO)

6

6

12

Op presence (RCAF)

10

39

49

Projection

318

418

456

Proteus

8

63

71

Reasurance MTF

30

214

244

Reasurance EFP

21

1072

1093

Snowgoose

1

1

2

Soprano

4

19

23

Unifier

39

200

239

Total

625

2941

3286

Target 4.2: Increased awareness within CAF of the importance of gender considerations on military operations.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track (on-going)

Baseline

CAF members receive Theatre and Mission Specific Training (TMST) as well as pre-deployment training with content on gender perspectives in operations.

Activities

4.2.1 Promote the importance of gender considerations in military operations.

4.2.2 Publish handbook or ready reference pocket guide for CAF gender focal points and commanders.Footnote 11

Indicator

4.2.1 Percentage of military missions that receive gender perspective training, including Theatre and Mission Specific Training and training provided through the Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), as well as CJOC/CANSOFCOM Key Leader Engagements (KLEs).

Completed activities and results

Target 4.3: Support an increase in the number of military staff employed as GENADs/CAF gender focal points.

Target achieved to date as of March 31, 2022

On track (on-going)

Baseline

There are three gender advisors in the CAF (one at the strategic level and two at the operational level).

Activities

4.3.1 Continue to identify prospective staff to serve as gender advisors to be able to grow the capability.

4.3.2 Administer training for CAF GFPs and for GENADs.

Indicator

4.3.1 Percentage of GENAD deployed on operations and exercises or ready for deployment.

4.3.2 Number of CAF GFPs trained and ready for deployed operations.

4.3.3 Number of CAF GFPs deployed.

Completed activities and results

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