Question Period Note: 2021–22 DEPARTMENTAL PLAN KMs – MINISTER MONSEF

How will ISED’s planned spending in its 2021–22 Departmental Plan promote rural economic development in Canada?

• While the Government of Canada’s priority continues to be fighting COVID-19, the government remains committed to fostering the conditions for investment, enhancing Canadian innovation and driving growth in key sectors.

• The government will continue to provide the foundation for Canadians to participate and prosper in the digital economy, while providing certainty for business.

• That is why the government will improve access to high-speed Internet services in rural and remote areas to help businesses grow and create new jobs, and to connect more Canadians to the resources, services and information they need to build a better future.

SUPPLEMENTARY MESSAGES

• ISED will continue to advance the work of Canada’s Digital Charter, Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, the Universal Broadband Fund, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, and the 50/30 and Black Entrepreneurship programs.

• In 2021-22, the Department’s priorities will be:
• supporting the recovery, sustainability and growth of Canadian businesses of all sizes, including those owned by women;
• fostering the conditions for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy for all Canadians; and
• supporting the transition to the digital economy.

The 2021-22 Departmental Plan is expected to be tabled in mid-February 2021.

The Departmental Plan outlines ISED’s annual spending plan and describes priorities, planned results and associated resource requirements for a three-year period. It also provides details on human resource requirements. The 2021-22 Departmental Plan is structured according to ISED’s Departmental Results Framework (DRF) and its three core responsibilities:
• Companies, Investment and Growth
• Peoples, Skills and Communities
• Science, Technology, Research and Commercialization

Following extensive consultations at all levels and across all sectors, ISED significantly revised its DRF for 2021–22 to better align its reporting framework with the department’s mandate. The updated DRF, which comes into effect in April, articulates the highest level outcomes ISED is trying to achieve for Canadians and forms the basis for the department’s priority setting, performance management and parliamentary reporting exercises.

In combination with the Main Estimates, Departmental Plans serve to inform members of Parliament about planned expenditures of departments and agencies, and support Parliament’s consideration of supply bills.

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