Gender-based analysis plus

Training

• In May 2021, the GBA Plus Centre of Expertise held a one-day GBA Plus Bootcamp training session with a focus on better equipping network members with tools and experience to support divisions and business lines in applying GBA Plus. This session provided hands-on GBA Plus experience using RCMP-focused case studies.
• The GBA Plus Centre of Expertise also organized a presentation from Statistics Canada in September 2021 on GBA Plus and disaggregated data, along with a follow-up session in March 2022, where Statistics Canada took the Network through an interactive tour of Statistics Canada's Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Hub.
• The RCMP also continues to encourage employees across the organization to complete the Canada School of Public Service Introduction to GBA Plus online course. This course is mandatory for all executives and commissioned officers (executive equivalent), including members of the RCMP's Senior Executive Committee.

Program name: Federal Operations Support

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

In 2021-22, the Witness Protection Program applied GBA Plus as part of its Protectee focus. Upon admission to the program, each Protectee undertakes a series of assessments to create a case management plan to address their unique safety, security, and personal needs based on any GBA-related considerations. The aim of integrating GBA Plus within these assessments is to ensure case management plans are tailored to each individual's specific situation, which in turn is expected to allow them to better integrate into the Witness Protection Program.

Civil Litigation and Operational Policy Unit: GBA Plus considerations are built into the policy development model used by the Federal Policing Operational Policy Unit, resulting in GBA Plus frameworks being applied to all Federal Policing operational policy. The unit does not have a specific GBA Plus data collection plan as no statistics regarding policy application are collected.

Federal Technology Solutions cannot integrate additional gender and diversity considerations into its program management of applications. The technologies used do not collect data independently or as its own data source, but leverage from the RCMP's existing data holdings. The tools simply present the recorded values for gender, age, and diversity from operational data sets as originally recorded.

Program name: Federal Policing investigations

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available.

Other key impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Federal Policing is an operational business line that relies on the RCMP records management systems for data collection. At this time, the systems do not have the correct fields to capture gender-based data – they collect "sex" data as opposed to "gender identity". As the information systems within the RCMP evolve in these areas, Federal Policing will be in a better position to capture and report on gender-based data. The RCMP is in the process of modernizing its systems in order to accurately and effectively capture gender-based data.

Program name: Federal Policing prevention and engagement

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available.

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

To ensure all Canadians see themselves represented in RCMP awareness and educational materials, broad consultation with internal and external stakeholders are conducted. Federal Policing Strategic Engagement and Awareness, formally Federal Policing prevention and engagement, avoids using stigmatizing language and stereotypic images in its various communication initiatives, in an effort to promote inclusion and build trust between police and all Canadian communities.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Under the new program framework, Federal Policing Strategic Engagement and Awareness will look to develop indicators for tracking and reporting program impacts on gender and diversity for the 2023-24 reporting period. This includes tracking:

• Gender representation of those who receive Federal Policing Strategic Engagement and Awareness products
• Community group representations that are consulted during product development

Program name: Governance

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Federal Policing is an operational business line that relies on the RCMP records management systems for data collection. At this time, the systems do not have the correct fields to capture gender-based data – they collect "sex" data as opposed to "gender identity". As the information systems within the RCMP evolve in these areas, Federal Policing will be in a better position to capture and report on gender-based data. The RCMP is in the process of modernizing its systems in order to accurately and effectively capture gender-based data.

Program name: Intelligence

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Federal Policing is an operational business line that relies on the RCMP records management systems for data collection. At this time, the systems do not have the correct fields to capture gender-based data – they collect "sex" data as opposed to "gender identity". As the information systems within the RCMP evolve in these areas, Federal Policing will be in a better position to capture and report on gender-based data. The RCMP is in the process of modernizing its systems in order to accurately and effectively capture gender-based data.

Program name: International Policing

Target population: Canadian and foreign law enforcement agencies as well as affected populations in states where Canadian law enforcement and security institutions engage.

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity:

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

To enhance the ability of our police officers to deliver gender-sensitive programming, Women, Peace and Security is a key pillar of all pre-deployment training sessions. These include topics such as gender roles, gender mainstreaming, ^{footnote 1} international instruments, ^{footnote 2} the Women, Peace and Security agenda, ^{footnote 3} and the RCMP's commitment to women's participation in international deployments. All deploying police officers must undergo pre-deployment training, also known as the International Peace Support Operations Training. A detailed understanding of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was delivered to all (100%) officers who deployed in 2021-22 as part of pre-deployment training.

Finally, all International Program personnel – both within headquarters and deployed – are required to take WAGE's on-line GBA Plus training where they learn to analyze the implications of diversity in government policy and procedures to ensure they are fair and inclusive for everyone.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

In 2021-22, as part of the review of the Performance Information Profile for the International Program and of the Action Plan for strengthening the Canadian Police Arrangement Reporting, the International Program began developing new performance measurement indicators, including GBA Plus indicators, to better capture the impact of the program and the lessons learned at both the program and mission levels. Performance measurement objectives were identified and subsequent GBA Plus data will be systematically collected, analyzed, reported, and leveraged for continuous program improvement.

Program name: Protective Services

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Federal Policing is an operational business line that relies on the RCMP records management systems for data collection. At this time, the systems do not have the correct fields to capture gender-based data – they collect "sex" data as opposed to "gender identity". As the information systems within the RCMP evolve in these areas, Federal Policing will be in a better position to capture and report on gender-based data. The RCMP is in the process of modernizing its systems in order to accurately and effectively capture gender-based data.

Program name: Canadian Firearms Investigative and Enforcement Services

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

Canadian Firearms Investigative and Enforcement Services continued to advance the use of a GBA Plus lens, developing and maintaining its training and awareness material, specifically the firearms tracing handbook, to support ongoing and new outreach initiatives with law enforcement. A GBA Plus lens was also considered when promoting and engaging with firearms trafficking working groups to sensitize retailers to the risks of straw ^{footnote 4} and bulk purchasing of firearms. Additionally, the design of presentation modules continues to incorporate GBA Plus considerations for outreach to detachments in areas with a significant Indigenous population.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Canadian Firearms Investigative and Enforcement Services does not collect GBA Plus information to support law enforcement pursuant to any legislative, regulatory, or other requirement laid upon applicants for services. Any information used by the program is not sufficient in fidelity, quantity, nor level of detail to support any useful GBA Plus analysis of program impacts. It does, however, gather information from open sources (for example, in its Internet Research Unit) or it receives information from law enforcement sources (for example, in the Firearms Tracing Centre). While some of this information may include elements of GBA Plus data, none of this information is mandated by legislation or regulation.

Program name: Canadian Police College

Target population: Law enforcement

Distribution of benefits:

From those participants attending the Canadian Police College in 2021, the data suggests that approximately one-third identify as female and two-thirds identify as male.

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

The Canadian Police College limits the capture and collection of gender-based data to those participants registered for courses and, more specifically, to meet the needs of those requesting residential accommodations for the duration of their attendance on campus. There is no mandatory requirement for participants, nor subject matter experts/instructors, to use Canadian Police College accommodations. Due to a significant number of variables, the current registration process for hospitality services is not a reliable source of gender-based data reflective of overall participant diversity at the Canadian Police College.

Category options reflected on the forms used to capture information are limited to male or female. There is no group distinction made by either age or income level, or any other identity factors.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

The Canadian Police College does not collect gender-based data (including race-based data) because it has not been required for the administration of Canadian Police College programs. Recently, efforts have been undertaken to modify course registration forms to include more inclusive gender options. However, this remains only for the use of Canadian Police College residential accommodations. The Canadian Police College is currently waiting for further guidance on how to best approach the collection of GBA Plus data, given the Canadian Police College's range of clientele which includes several agencies external to the RCMP.

The Canadian Police College has limited influence over the diversity of participants who register for other courses and workshops, as well as the subject matter experts who assist, who may come from law enforcement agencies outside of the RCMP. Approval to register or attend is initially obtained from their respective parent agencies. Once approved, they are subject to competency- or skills-based and/or experience-based selection criteria, administered by Canadian Police College program-specific unit managers, or in the case of subject matter experts, subject to the Adjunct Faculty directives. Many of the skills and competencies required relate to operational field experience, career path and expertise. While the Canadian Police College has no data on gender-based representation of participants and subject matter experts at the Canadian Police College it is likely to be consistent with diversity trends, variations, and fluctuations across the law enforcement community it serves.

The Canadian Police College continues to apply GBA Plus analysis when designing new courses and reviewing ongoing course curriculum. Additionally, a review of course and SME selection criteria practices is currently being planned to ensure consistency across all training units to improve diversity in the classroom and among subject matter experts. These reviews will help identify and mitigate potential barriers related to participant attendance at the Canadian Police College.

With the ongoing development and gradual implementation of the Canadian Police College Digital Strategy, the College continues to expand its online programming delivery to reach a broadened pool of participants from its target audience. While the Canadian Police College has not yet collected specific GBA Plus data on this topic, it is anticipated that the implementation of an advanced online learning platform technology, scheduled for the fall of 2022, will help address some of the previous barriers that may have prevented some participants from considering, registering, or engaging in advanced or specialized training at the Canadian Police College. The Digital Strategy is in its first full year of development, and data analysis is only expected to be completed by mid-year 2023.

The Canadian Police College remains engaged in reviewing ongoing course registration and content, hospitality services, forms, facilities, and processes where GBA Plus analysis can be applied and gender-based data captured consistently, while continuing to protect the privacy of participants and partners within departmental requirements and information management best practices.

Program name: Criminal Intelligence Service Canada

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

Criminal Intelligence Service Canada contributes to advancing GBA Plus, with a focus on several criminal markets that contribute to increased vulnerability amongst women, youth, and other persons at risk. For example, organized crime is involved in criminal markets such as illicit drugs, human sex trafficking, and firearms violence and these markets contribute to heightened vulnerability of community members. The intelligence produced by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada assists the law enforcement community in their efforts to combat these organized crime risks.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Criminal Intelligence Service Canada is modernizing its integrated threat assessment processes, and ensuring that descriptors are GBA Plus compliant. Criminal Intelligence Service Canada is also modernizing its criminal intelligence database and in doing so is ensuring compliance with GBA Plus principles. As work is ongoing to design the new system, GBA Plus subject matter experts are being consulted to ensure that any data fields, definitions, and drop-down menus are GBA Plus compliant.

Program name: Firearms Licensing and Registration

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

The Canadian Firearms Program worked on the planning and design phase of the Canadian Firearms Digital Services Solution to enhance service delivery to all clients. The findings of a GBA Plus assessment supported the development of this solution to provide digital first, multi-channel service delivery to allow clients to choose their method of interacting with the Canadian Firearms Program (for example, online, phone or mail). As part of the planning and design phase of the Canadian Firearms Digital Services Solution, a GBA Plus lens was applied with a focus on design research and usability testing to ensure compliance with GBA Plus principles. Initial research activities included interviews with employees and clients, as well as a survey questionnaire sent to nearly 5,000 Canadian Firearms Program clients (587 responses) with a goal of better understanding their experiences with the program's existing online services. Additionally, the Canadian Firearms Program entered into a four-month engagement with Canadian Digital Services to conduct user research and usability testing, and strengthen the Canadian Firearms Program's ability to perform these activities in the future. The recruitment strategy for work with Canadian Digital Services was informed by the Canadian Firearms Digital Services Solution Project GBA Plus analysis, and results will inform the design and development of online digital services.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

The Canadian Firearms Program collects data from applicants for licences, certificates and authorizations in support of its regulatory mandate. Application data is intended for decision-making and may also be used for organizational and government statistical and research purposes. Data collected through user research is intended to inform improvements to service delivery.

Program name: Forensic Science and Identification Services

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Gender and diversity considerations cannot be integrated into program management at this time due to system and form limitations. However, Forensic Science and Identification Services continues to work on methodologies to capture data requirements and measure impacts and baseline information. This will involve updating GBA Plus terminology in the Canadian Police Information Centre and Real Time Identification, as well as modernizing the collection and display of sex/gender information. Once in place, Forensic Science and Identification Services will assess its progress and set a target for the following year.

Program name: RCMP Departmental Security

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

As a part of Departmental Security Governance renewal, GBA Plus is being applied on multiple personnel security processes, including but not limited to security questionnaires, the security screening guide, and security screening processes. In the development of the Security Screening Management System, GBA Plus elements were taken into consideration, which included the development of an additional category to enable a selection other than male or female.

In terms of physical security, a GBA Plus lens will be applied to all initiatives to update procedures and policies, which will facilitate tracking and identifying needs for redeveloping traditionally gendered environments such as locker/change room spaces, to make them more gender inclusive. From a policy perspective, the RCMP, in both its internal programs and as the Lead Security Agency, is currently researching an update to identification and access control card standards to include the use of "preferred" names, rather than solely legal names. These changes will affect both RCMP and Government of Canada clients.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Departmental Security will continue to implement key foundational GBA Plus concepts and processes into the policy renewal initiative to remove unconscious biases in security documents and processes. Departmental Security continues to enhance GBA Plus awareness to facilitate integration within the program culture and business processes.

From a policy perspective, the RCMP is researching an update to the Identification/Access control card standards to include the use of a "preferred" name rather than a legal name. These changes will affect both RCMP and Government of Canada clients.

Program name: RCMP Operational IM/IT Services

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: Nothing to report for 2021-22.

Program name: RCMP Specialized Technical Investigative Services

Target population: Law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: Nothing to report for 2021-22.

Program name: Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services

Target population: All Canadians and law enforcement

Distribution of benefits: Not available

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services contributed to GBA Plus by furthering several important initiatives: pursue online child sexual exploitation investigations; identify victims and remove them from abusive situations; conduct operational research; and support efforts to bring offenders to justice, including those who offend abroad. In 2021-22, the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre received approximately 81,799 requests, complaints, and reports for assistance, which is a 56% increase compared to the previous year (2020-21). The National Child Exploitation Crime Centre also increased the number of identified Canadian victims in the International Child Sexual Exploitation Database by approximately 21% to support investigations and minimize duplication of efforts.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services continued to enhance and advance the collection and reporting of statistics related to online child sexual exploitation, through a number of different initiatives including: implementing a more automated, accurate, and accessible reporting mechanism specific to online child sexual exploitation investigations; expanding capacity within the Intelligence Unit to contextualize statistics; and engaging in operational initiatives and research projects. Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services continues to explore ways in which it can collect information that is more inclusive of gender diversity in an effort to enhance its ability to report on effects by gender, and have a more effective law enforcement response based on those observed trends.

Program name: Contract and Indigenous Policing Operations Support

Target population: Canadian law enforcement community

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity:

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

In 2021-22, the RCMP developed a Sexual Offence Investigations course for investigators. This course was developed to improve RCMP capacity to respond to sexual violence complaints and improve investigative processes including law enforcement interactions with victims of trauma. The course has been piloted online and in an in-person classroom setting.

Unfounded sexual assault investigations are reviewed on an ongoing and systematic basis by the National Sexual Assault Review Team. These reviews assist in measuring the impact and effectiveness of policy changes, new training, and other resources as well as to assess and report on any changes and/or improvements in the quality of investigations.

Additionally, sexual assault investigations that are not cleared by charge are reviewed by the Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committees in the divisions to identify gaps in how investigations are conducted and make recommendations for improvement. While the work of the Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committees affects all victims regardless of sex and gender, females are disproportionately affected by sexual violence.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

GBA Plus considerations were integrated in the project and learning design Plan when developing the Sexual Offence Investigations course:

• both males and females were involved in the design and development of this program;
• gender neutral terms are used;
• non-sexist and inclusive language is used in both the French and English versions;
• videos, images, and illustrations reflect and value the experiences of a diverse population; and
• a varied approach to learner assessment was used to take into consideration the diversity of learners.

The same considerations will be applied when developing the Advanced Sexual Offence Investigations course for the next learning phase.

Enhanced and expanded sexual assault training and oversight:

In February 2021, the Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committees criteria check sheet was updated to assist in identifying identity factors for victims and subjects of complaint.

The following are identified for each file:

• Indigenous status, LGBTQIA2S+
• child or youth under 16 years (only for the victim), cognitive impairment
• mental health concerns, senior 60+, and physical health concerns

Additionally, the percentage of files reviewed by the Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committees or the Sexual Assault Review Team using a victim centred/trauma informed technique can be disaggregated by geographical location (province/territory, RCMP detachment). When enough data has been collected, the Sexual Assault Review Team will be able to conduct analyses using this information, which could assist in identifying trends and patterns of behaviors.

Program name: Force Generation

Target population: All Canadians and permanent residents

Distribution of benefits:

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

Recruitment modernization is a key priority for the RCMP as it seeks to offer a career of choice for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and to diversify its talent pool by attracting applicants from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized groups.

The RCMP is focused on ensuring that its workforce is equipped with the skills required to meet policing needs in the future. Specifically, the RCMP continues to prioritize policing reform that addresses systemic racism and enhances the RCMP's ability to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

Key initiatives completed and underway include:

• Procured a new cognitive and personality exam to deliver an adaptable, modern, technology enabled, bias reducing solution that will assess candidates' personality, aptitude, and suitability for employment as police officers within the RCMP;
• Completed an analysis with Price Waterhouse Coopers to define qualities, attributes, and characteristics required by general duty officers and specialized policing in a modern policing organization;
• Completed an end-to-end review of the recruiting process with Price Waterhouse Coopers, with the goal of ensuring a modern, effective, efficient, and diverse recruiting process;
• Contracting to outsource applicant medical and psychological screening; and
• Implementing of the Assisted Applicant Training Program, which has the fundamental purpose to provide Inuit applicants with the literacy and numeracy skills they require to be successful in the RCMP's entrance exam.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Nothing to report for 2021-22.

The Public Service Resourcing System does not require mandatory identification of Employment Equity information from applicants; therefore, the data collected are estimates of gender and Employment Equity distribution.

Program name: Indigenous Policing

Target population: Indigenous Peoples

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

There is no specific target population for policing services based on age, gender, or income level within Indigenous communities by the RCMP. Of consideration, Indigenous communities are growing and their demographics are much younger on average relative to the non-Indigenous population that the RCMP serves. As such, while Indigenous Policing is not targeted based on age, there are other policies or programs within Contract and Indigenous Policing that are geared towards younger populations. In addition, women, particularly Indigenous women, are victims of certain crimes at a higher rate than non-Indigenous women, and though policing services are not provided uniquely or differently based on gender, considerations are made to approach and interactions to be more suitable and comforting to women when responding to these types of calls.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Program name: Municipal Policing

Target population: Residents of the municipalities where the RCMP is the police of jurisdiction. Specifically, municipalities with greater than 15,000 residents.

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Supplementary Information Sources:

2020 Police Intervention Options Report

GBA Plus data collection plan:

In a collaborative effort between the RCMP and Statistics Canada, to increase the tracking of gender and race-based data related to those who are in contact with law enforcement, the RCMP has undertaken updating the Records Management Systems and reviewing policies to permit the RCMP to track this information. This work is ongoing.

Additionally, the first RCMP Police Intervention Options Report was released in October 2020 and the RCMP has committed to publishing annual reports going forward. While the inaugural report was limited to overall trends due to its 10-year temporal scope, future annual reports will provide results on a greater number of situational factors (for example, substance use, persons experiencing a mental health crisis, weapons, gender) and provide provincial/territorial breakdowns.

Program name: Provincial/Territorial Policing

Target population: Residents of the provinces and territories where the RCMP is the provincial or territorial or municipal police of jurisdiction. Specifically, municipalities with fewer than 15,000 residents.

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan:

In a collaborative effort between the RCMP and Statistics Canada, to increase the tracking of gender and race-based data related to those who are in contact with law enforcement, the RCMP has undertaken updating the Records Management Systems and reviewing policies to permit the RCMP to track this information. This work is ongoing.

Additionally, the first RCMP Police Intervention Options Report was released in October 2020 and the RCMP has committed to publishing annual reports going forward. While the inaugural report was limited to overall trends due to its 10-year temporal scope, future annual reports will provide results on a greater number of situational factors (for example, substance use, persons experiencing a mental health crisis, weapons, gender) and provide provincial/territorial breakdowns.

Program name: Human Resource Management Services

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits:

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts on gender and diversity:

The RCMP's comprehensive Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy, launched in January 2021, is being implemented across the organization. The strategy is divided into four pillars: solid governance; clear, transparent, and accountable practices; stronger education, awareness, and training regimes; and the foundations for culture change. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy integrates perspectives shared by internal and external partners and representatives from diverse communities, including those with lived experience from the following employment equity groups: Black, Indigenous, and racialized employees; women's organizations; and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Performance indicators and outcomes related to systemic racism, accessibility, reconciliation, harassment, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, equity and inclusivity were identified under the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy Implementation Action Plans were put in place across RCMP divisions and business lines in the organization. These plans contain over 280 commitments from senior leaders to take action to advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the organization.

GBA Plus data collection plan:

The RCMP's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit has established high-level outcomes under the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy for core program areas through collaboration with internal partners, and identified a performance measurement approach based on the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks standards. The analysis of these metrics incorporates GBA Plus, which involves taking a gender and diversity sensitive approach.