Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus)

Institutional GBA Plus Capacity

In the Policy and Research Division, we hold the departmental functional responsibility for Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and the shared responsibility to implement the departmental 2020 Gender-Based Analysis Plus Strategy. We advance the integration of GBA Plus within the work of the Department in order to progress equitable outcomes for all Veterans, including those in under-represented sub-populations. This is done by supporting the development and accessibility of tailored training and resources for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) employees; encouraging the collection of disaggregated data for research, planning and evaluation purposes; leading the departmental GBA Plus Network; and building departmental capacity in applying an intersectional lens when designing programs, policies and services. The Policy and Research Division represents VAC on the GBA Plus Interdepartmental Committee led by Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada.

In March 2021, the Building Gender Inclusive Services project was concluded with the creation of a Roadmap for Change titled Road Towards Inclusion to modernize sex and gender information management practices in compliance with Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) policy direction. The Road Towards Inclusion will continue to be integrated in VAC’s Information and Data Strategy. The Information and Data Strategy is designed to shift VAC culture and ensure data and information is better used to improve decision-making for the benefit of Veterans and their families, departmental employees, and Canadians. In addition to the Strategy, for the first time in 2021, the Census contained a Veteran Identifier that will continue to enable us to gain valuable information about Canada’s Veteran population. Additionally, the 2022 annual VAC National Client Survey contained gender, Indigenous, and visible minority indicators, which allows us to disaggregate and analyze by subpopulation. In addition, a secondary analysis of the survey will provide new insights into satisfaction levels, to help improve service delivery, and support further research on the needs of Veterans. Collecting new data allows us to ensure Veterans and their families receive the right care and treatment, and have timely access to programs and services when needed. Access to additional data regarding the broader Veteran population builds on the foundational data elements that are currently being used for GBA Plus including, sex, age, language, marital status, geographic location, service type (Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)), client type (Veteran, spouse, dependent, survivor, etc.), homelessness, level of disability (%), whether a client has diminished earnings capacity, military service branch (army, navy, air force), release type (medical, non-medical/voluntary), rank at release, time since release, and length of service allowing for disaggregated data analysis across various sub-groups.

We also maintain a data warehouse containing data extracted from various VAC internal systems. These data points are used to make validated program data sets available with self-service dashboards based on program area reporting requirements, inclusive of GBA Plus data elements. This data provides program areas with ready access to information required to better monitor, manage and track program outcomes. This enhanced reporting tool allows more timely and accurate views of intersecting data elements as more data is made available for use.

We also use analytics to understand the sub-groups of Veteran clients, their needs and ways that services and programs can meet those needs. We use a GBA Plus/intersectional data analysis lens to monitor, analyze and report on VAC programs and services, service standards, and inform research. This contributes to enhanced program management, results and evaluation.

Applying GBA Plus is also a standard consideration in our innovation efforts. We use a human-centred design process, ensuring that consultations include representatives from various gender and diverse populations. Proposed solutions, performance measurement, and monitoring of individual initiatives include consideration of gender and diversity impacts.

GBA Plus analysis is also used in evaluations where evaluators promote the requirement to collect data to support such analysis across all departmental programs.

In 2023, we developed a GBA Plus policy that details how we will continue to integrate GBA Plus principles into every aspect of our work, as well as reinforces the shared commitment across all areas from research, to policy, to service delivery, to audit and evaluations. This work includes supporting GBA Plus training for all staff at all levels. We are committed to fostering equitable outcomes for diverse groups of Veterans, their families, and employees.

Efforts to improve diversity and inclusion are aimed at shifting the culture of our organization to focus on equitable outcomes. This involves understanding the unique needs of under-represented sub-groups such as women, 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Black and racialized Veterans and Veterans with disabilities, and the necessary use of research and disaggregated data to provide tailored/adaptive programs and services to these Veterans and client groups.

Highlights of GBA Plus Results Reporting Capacity by Program

Disability Benefits

The program collects some data that monitors and/or reports impacts by binary sex, language, age, geography and some service characteristics.

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

Currently, through the Disability Benefits Program, we collect data that monitors impacts by biological sex, language, age, geography, disability and some service characteristics. There is sufficient data to administer and monitor the program but not to report program impacts through a full GBA Plus lens. We are actively working to conduct analysis to include GBA Plus specific identifiers in Privacy Impact Assessments and on obtaining GBA Plus disaggregated data through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Statistics Canada which will allow better analysis and assessment of program impacts on gender and diversity in the future. In the meantime, we will continue our work on supporting and building a fulsome culture of GBA Plus through training, evaluating current processes and instruments and consulting with GBA Plus subject matter experts on new and revised processes and instruments used to adjudicate claims.

In an effort to ensure parity in claims processing, we produce weekly internal reports that monitor the turnaround times for processing Disability Benefits applications based on sex and language. These reports are shared with managers and workloads are adjusted as required. As a way to address gaps in turnaround times for female applicants, we have added a dedicated team to process claims from female applicants exclusively. This team has developed expertise to ensure we are able to address current barriers to timely decisions for female Veterans and to continue to close the gap in processing times between female and male applicants.

We are also currently undertaking a multi-year modernization of the two primary tools used to support decision-making for Disability Benefits; the Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines (EEGs) and the Table of Disabilities (TOD) along with related Medical Questionnaires (MQs). To date, 13 comprehensive GBA Plus reviews have been completed for a wide range of medical conditions. These analyses are currently being applied to approximately 12 TOD Chapters, 25 EEGs and 25 MQs. Continuation of this work is planned for 2024 and will consist of additional GBA Plus reviews (approximately 12-15) to cover the totality of the modernized TOD, EEGs and associated MQs. This will help to ensure that these tools are based on the most up-to-date health related evidence and provide for consistent, efficient and swift decision-making.

Health Care Benefits

The program collects basic data to enable it to monitor and/or report certain program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

We are strengthening our GBA Plus analysis for current Health Care Benefits recipients. We are developing a dashboard for Health Care Benefits that will improve the program’s ability to conduct more timely and effective reviews, monitoring and reporting of program impacts using a GBA Plus lens. Our Program Management unit, has developed an internal dashboard to help support GBA Plus monitoring. Information collected through VAC gateway programs which may not be specifically collected for Health Care Benefits can also be leveraged to inform GBA Plus. Additionally, third party service providers who administer treatment benefits on our behalf, collect and report on usage data for enhanced reporting capability, where additional data elements are deemed necessary for effective program administration. As our Information and Data Strategy is implemented, additional data analysis improvements are anticipated.

Transition Services

Transition Services programs collect basic data to enable them to monitor and/or report certain program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

In Transition Services, we use existing client demographic data captured at the departmental level for monitoring and reporting purposes, along with supporting the GBA Plus analysis of Veterans who access these supports. In addition, some of our Transition Services programs also have third party contractors who provide regular reports. Moving forward, new contracts with third parties will highlight the need to support all Government of Canada reporting requirements, including those for gender and diversity (GBA Plus). Working with third parties allows us to gain valuable knowledge of best practices in private industry as they relate to reporting around equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are developing dashboards for the various Transition Services subprograms that will provide effective review, monitoring and reporting of program impacts using a GBA Plus lens. As we implement our Information and Data Strategy, additional data analysis improvements are anticipated.

In Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program (RSVP), we are developing a GBA Plus Strategy which invites Rehabilitation Program Participants to share how they identify in relation to a series of identity factors. Using this information, we will tailor Rehabilitation Services to the unique needs of the individual. Our reporting system is able to disaggregate participant outcome results by GBA Plus attributes allowing us to analyze Participant Outcome Results from an intersectional lens and determine where improvements need to be made to achieve inclusive and equitable service delivery.

Through the Education and Training Benefit, we collect data that is used to monitor and/or report certain program impacts. This data includes sex at birth, age, marital status, official language, geography, and some service characteristics. A validated data set exists for this program which also includes a self-service dashboard that allows for effective review, monitoring and reporting program impacts using readily available, up-to-date, and validated data. This dashboard aids our program in monitoring impacts of Education and Training Benefit decisions and identify trends. Future validation and improvements to the dashboard are expected.

In addition, we are developing a data collection plan for 2024-2025 that will help to guide the collection and use of additional demographic information that we can use for the intersectional analysis required to develop, monitor, evaluate, and improve our programs. Where we do not have the authority to collect demographic data, e.g., gender, Indigenous, and racial identities, we will work with Statistics Canada to link our program data with existing administrative data in Statistics Canada Census and other surveys sources. With those linkages, we will be able to conduct a more complete analysis of our programs that we will use for program improvements. We will be including program identifiers in the data file that we share annually with Statistics Canada and disaggregated analysis of the linked data will occur through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Long Term Care

The program collects basic data to enable it to monitor and/or report certain program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

We use existing client demographic data captured at the departmental level for monitoring and reporting purposes, along with supporting the GBA Plus analysis of current recipients of Long Term Care. We are exploring the development of a dashboard for the Long Term Care program that will improve the program’s ability to conduct more timely and effective reviews, monitoring and reporting of program impacts using a GBA Plus lens. Our Program Management unit, has also developed an internal dashboard to help support GBA Plus monitoring. Information collected through VAC gateway programs which may not specifically be collected for the Long Term Care program may also be leveraged to inform GBA Plus. As our Information and Data Strategy is implemented, additional data analysis improvements are anticipated.

Veterans Independence Program

The program collects basic data to enable it to monitor and/or report certain program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

Through the Veterans Independence Program, we use existing client demographic data captured at the departmental level for monitoring and reporting purposes, along with supporting the GBA Plus analysis of current recipients who access these supports. We are exploring the development of a dashboard for the Veterans Independence Program that will improve the program’s ability to conduct more timely and effective reviews, monitoring and reporting of program impacts using a GBA Plus lens. Our Program Management unit, has also developed an internal dashboard to help support GBA Plus monitoring. Information collected through VAC gateway programs which may not specifically be collected for the Veterans Independence Program may also be leveraged to inform GBA Plus. As our Information and Data Strategy is implemented, additional improvements in data analysis will be incorporated.

In addition, we are developing a data collection plan for 2024-2025 that will help to guide the collection and use of additional demographic information that we can use for the intersectional analysis required to develop, monitor, evaluate, and improve our programs. Where we do not have the authority to collect demographic data, e.g., gender, Indigenous, and racial identities, we will work with Statistics Canada to link our program data with existing administrative data in Statistics Canada Census and other surveys sources. With those linkages, we will be able to conduct a more complete analysis of our programs that we will use for program improvements. We will be including program identifiers in the data file that we share annually with Statistics Canada and disaggregated analysis of the linked data will occur through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Caregiver Recognition Benefit

The program collects data that it uses to monitor and/or report certain program impacts. These data include sex at birth, age, marital status, official language, geography, and some service characteristics.

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

Currently, we are using existing client demographic data for monitoring and reporting on current Caregiver Recognition Benefit recipients, using a GBA Plus lens and we are in the process of developing a self-serve dashboard for the program that will provide effective review, monitoring and reporting program impacts using readily available, up-to-date, and validated data.

In addition, we are developing a data collection plan for 2024-2025 that will help to guide the collection and use of additional demographic information that we can use for the intersectional analysis required to develop, monitor, evaluate, and improve our programs. Where we do not have the authority to collect demographic data, e.g., gender, Indigenous, and racial identities, we will work with Statistics Canada to link our program data with existing administrative data in Statistics Canada Census and other surveys sources. With those linkages, we will be able to conduct a more complete analysis of our programs that we will use for program improvements. We will be including program identifiers in the data file that we share annually with Statistics Canada and disaggregated analysis of the linked data will occur through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

War Veterans Allowance

The program collects data that it uses to monitor and/or report certain program impacts using a GBA Plus lens.

Notable initiatives to expand the program’s capacity to report on impacts by gender and diversity in the future

Through the War Veterans Allowance program, we collect data that is used to monitor and report certain program impacts using a GBA Plus lens. This data includes sex at birth, age, marital status, official language, geography, and some service characteristics. We plan to validate a dataset for the program, which will then be used to develop a self-serve dashboard that allows for effective review, monitoring and reporting program impacts using readily available, up-to-date, and validated data. This work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

We are currently looking at the best methods of improving data collection for this program while remaining within the privacy boundaries. As VAC’s Information and Data Strategy is implemented, additional improvements in data analysis will be incorporated.

In addition, we are developing a data collection plan for 2024-2025 that will help to guide the collection and use of additional demographic information that we can use for the intersectional analysis required to develop, monitor, evaluate, and improve our programs. Where we do not have the authority to collect demographic data, e.g., gender, Indigenous, and racial identities, we will work with Statistics Canada to link our program data with existing administrative data in Statistics Canada Census and other surveys sources. With those linkages, we will be able to conduct a more complete analysis of our programs that we will use for program improvements. We will be including program identifiers in the data file that we share annually with Statistics Canada and disaggregated analysis of the linked data will occur through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Income Support

The program collects data that it uses to monitor and/or report certain program impacts. These data include: sex at birth, age, marital status, official language, geography, and some service characteristics.

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

We use existing client demographic data for monitoring and reporting on current Income Support recipients, using a GBA Plus lens. We are in the process of validating a dataset for the Income Support program, which will then be used to develop a self-service dashboard. This dashboard, which is expected to be available by the third quarter of 2024-2025, will aid us in monitoring impacts of Income Replacement Benefits (IRB) decisions and identify trends. This will allow for effective review, monitoring and reporting program impacts using readily available, up-to-date, and validated data.

In addition, we are developing a data collection plan for 2024-2025 that will help to guide the collection and use of additional demographic information that we can use for the intersectional analysis required to develop, monitor, evaluate, and improve our programs. Where we do not have the authority to collect demographic data, e.g., gender, Indigenous, and racial identities, we will work with Statistics Canada to link our program data with existing administrative data in Statistics Canada Census and other surveys sources. With those linkages, we will be able to conduct a more complete analysis of our programs that we will use for program improvements. We will be including program identifiers in the data file that we share annually with Statistics Canada and disaggregated analysis of the linked data will occur through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Veterans Emergency Fund

The program collects data that it uses to monitor and/or report certain program impacts.

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

Currently, we are using existing client demographic data for monitoring and reporting on current Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) recipients, using a GBA Plus lens. This data includes sex at birth, age, marital status, official language, geography, and some service characteristics. A validated data set exists for this program which also includes a self-serve dashboard for the Veterans Emergency Fund program that allows for effective review, monitoring and reporting program impacts using readily available, up-to-date, and validated data. This dashboard aids the program to monitor impacts of VEF decisions and identify trends across the country. Some of the information contained in the dashboard include number of homeless applicants and items requested.

In addition, we are developing a data collection plan for 2024-2025 that will help to guide the collection and use of additional demographic information that we can use for the intersectional analysis required to develop, monitor, evaluate, and improve our programs. Where we do not have the authority to collect demographic data, e.g., gender, Indigenous, and racial identities, we will work with Statistics Canada to link our program data with existing administrative data in Statistics Canada Census and other surveys sources. With those linkages, we will be able to conduct a more complete analysis of our programs that we will use for program improvements. We will be including program identifiers in the data file that we share annually with Statistics Canada and disaggregated analysis of the linked data will occur through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Research and Innovation Program

The program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

In our Research and Innovation program, we include sub-programs consisting of Grant and/or Contribution agreements made with independent third parties who offer innovative services to Veterans and their families and/or conduct research to better understand and improve Veteran health and wellbeing.

The data that is collected through these programs stems from the reporting requirements stipulated in the agreements and not client specific demographic data. We continue to ensure that research funded by the Department conforms to principles of the Sex and Gender Equity in Research Guidelines (SAGER). These guidelines inform how we design, conduct, and report findings and ensure fair representation of women Veterans and underrepresented groups in our research initiatives. Data collection, analysis and reporting of disaggregated results/outcomes for funded proposals continue to represent Veteran sub-groups.

These sub-programs include the following:

  • The Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR), which promotes and requires GBA Plus as part of VAC-funded research projects.
  • The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, and the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence, which respects the federal guidelines regarding GBA Plus and submits an annual GBA Plus report. In the annual GBA Plus report, the Centres of Excellence is asked to track and report on evidence showing the use of the GBA Plus Research Checklist for each new research initiative and evidence of research activities specifically targeted to the mental health needs of the diverse Veteran population.
  • The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund requires organizations applying for funding to demonstrate how the proposed project could support equity seeking groups, align with GBA Plus considerations, and adhere to SAGER guidelines. The Veteran and Family Well-being Fund project reporting templates require organizations to describe how their projects apply GBA Plus.
  • The Research Funding Program requires researchers applying for funding to describe how the project will meaningfully consider, involve, and represent the full range of diversity and intersectionality across the study population, such as age, sex, gender, race, indigeneity, family status, and other life circumstances and vulnerability characteristics. Funding recipients are required to adhere to SAGER principles in their work, including how results for various identity characteristics will be reported in research findings.

Canada Remembers Program

This program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

In our Canada Remembers Program, we aim to be inclusive in the materials we publish and are cognizant of the need to represent the diverse experiences of the Veteran population. We work to create materials that demonstrate gender balance as well as diverse cultural, ethnic and regional backgrounds when developing learning resources, visitor experience exhibits and materials at its two national historic sites in France, programming, and for delegations and events both domestically and internationally. We will continue to apply GBA Plus when consulting with Canadians and Veterans to understand how their perspectives and preferences may align with numerous identity factors.

Funeral and Burial Program

The program collects sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

Our Funeral and Burial Program works with a third-party provider to ensure eligible Veterans receive a dignified funeral and burial. Currently, in order to administer the program, the third-party provider collects client data including: date of birth, date of death, sex, marital status, finances/income (assets and liabilities at time of death for Veteran and spouse, if applicable), military service information, health, family structure (whether there is a spouse and/or dependents), and Indigenous name of Veteran (if applicable). This information is used to determine eligibility and for administration of the program. Through the program, we also monitor VAC clients who have passed away to ensure all clients who qualify for the Funeral and Burial Program receive this benefit. Our Commemoration Division is currently exploring opportunities with the Last Post Fund (LPF) to improve their reporting capabilities to better support us in collecting and analysing GBA Plus data, which will be used to better inform program results.

Veterans Ombudsperson

The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) advocates for fairness in VAC’s delivery of benefits and services to Canada’s diverse Veteran population.

Our program collects basic data to enable it to monitor and/or report on programs by gender and some demographic information. Currently we have the capacity to capture the following GBA Plus data through self-reporting by the client including: gender identity, service category (still serving, Veteran, RCMP, etc.), relationship to the Veteran (family member, representative, etc.), age and geographical location.

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

As we officially report under VAC with respect to departmental reporting, including GBA+ Plus, we intend to align with the direction of VAC’s Information and Data Strategy to enhance GBA Plus analysis and reporting.

We are working with VAC to identify resources that will be able to support increased data analysis and system improvements which will support enhanced data collection. We are also working closely with VAC to increase the analysis that will be done on data from the VAC National Client Survey.

Internal Services

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Within Internal Services, we are working to enhance our GBA Plus capacity in order to strive for service excellence in the delivery of VAC’s mission. In Internal Services, we collect sufficient data to enable us to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).

Notable initiatives to expand the GBA Plus capacity to report on impacts by various factors in the future

Through the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services (CFOCS) Branch, we have access to sufficient data to enable us to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender diversity (GBA Plus) when necessary to support service delivery. We continue to actively promote awareness with CFOCS managers and employees and will continue to identify and explore opportunities to expand our ability to incorporate the collection of GBA Plus data into VAC systems of record for client information.

  • Specific areas where GBA Plus will be applied include:
    • the development and implementation of new and existing applications and the data they collect and use.
    • resource planning and allocation decisions in order to promote principles of gender equality and greater inclusiveness, in accordance with Gender Budgeting Act principles.
    • the evolution of business practices and internal services, where GBA Plus is being applied to their design, testing, and validation of new business practices and services to ensure they fit the wide-ranging client population and our workforce while promoting equity for all.
    • the development and implementation of human resources policies, practices, activities, as well as support to initiatives, clients and services.
    • supporting departmental reporting on GBA Plus through the leveraging Enterprise Data.
    • the implementation and development of security policies and practices.
    • the development of developing our first real property strategy which will guide all aspects of real property planning and management. One objective of this strategy will be to ensure plans and policies are in place to not only meet functional needs but also foster a welcoming environment, systematically considering and addressing the diverse needs and experiences of our employees, clients and community.

Through our Communications Division we use digital analytics (social media and web traffic monitoring), media monitoring, POR, Statistics Canada research, and stakeholder analysis to better understand our audience and inform our internal and external communication strategies. We are consistently seeking ways to improve monitoring and/or reporting techniques. Gender-inclusive recommendations which underscore the importance of a Veteran-centric, intersectional approach in all our communications are included in review of documents and communications recommendations provided to internal clients.

As part of our Communications planning function, target audiences are a key consideration. Factors such as age, geography, attitudes and opinions are important to understand the target audiences. Research is gathered from various sources (Statistics Canada, public opinion research, trade journals, etc.) and analyzed with a GBA Plus lens to ensure we are using the appropriate platforms, channels and tools to reach target audiences. Creatives are developed in ways that resonate with the target audiences and encourages them to engage with it. With intersectionality in mind, accessibility is also a key consideration. We aim to ensure that persons with disabilities (visible or invisible) are represented in our products. We write messaging in plain language to make it easier for all to understand. Through our Communications Division, we aim to meet the audiences where they are, not push them to where we want them to go.

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