Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Quarterly Financial Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2022

Introduction

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (Agency) works with Northerners, Indigenous groups, communities, businesses, organizations, and other federal departments to help foster long-term economic sustainability in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. The Agency's programs are summarized in Part II of the Main Estimates.

This quarterly report has been prepared by management as required by section 65.1 of the Financial Administration Act and in the form and manner prescribed by the Treasury Board. It should be read in conjunction with the Main Estimates and the Supplementary Estimates (A). This report has not been subject to an external audit or review.

Basis of Presentation

This quarterly report has been prepared by management using an expenditure basis of accounting. The accompanying Statement of Authorities includes the Agency's spending authorities granted by Parliament, and those used by the Agency consistent with the Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A) for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This quarterly report has been prepared using a special-purpose financial reporting framework designed to meet financial information needs with respect to the use of spending authorities.

The authority of Parliament is required before money can be spent by the Government. Approvals are given in the form of annually approved limits through appropriation acts or through legislation in the form of statutory spending authority for specific purposes.

The Agency uses the full accrual method of accounting to prepare and present its annual departmental financial statements that are part of the departmental results reporting process. However, the spending authorities voted by Parliament remain on an expenditure basis.

Highlights of fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date (YTD) results

A. Changes to Authorities

This quarterly financial report reflects the results of the current fiscal period compared to the authorities provided in the Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A) for the fiscal year 2022-2023, as well as budget adjustments approved by the Treasury Board up to September 30, 2022.

Total authorities available for spending in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2022-2023 were $101.2 million compared with $85 million at the end of the second quarter of 2021-2022, representing a net increase of $16.2 million, or 19%. This variance is primarily attributable to funding received to administer  Budget 2021 programs, such as the Tourism Relief Fund, the Jobs and Growth Fund and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.

The following table compares total authorities by vote at the end of the second quarter of the current fiscal year and the previous fiscal year.

B. Changes in Year-to-Date Expenditures

At the end of the second quarter of 2022-2023, total budgetary expenditures for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, were $11.9 million compared with $15.1 million reported for the same period of 2021-2022, a representing a net decrease of $3.1 million, or 21%. The decreases in actual spending are mainly attributed to the demand for transfer payments fluctuating from year to year, depending on the timing of the projects and proposal; and the cash flow requirements of approved projects.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Agency has seen rapid growth with increased funding, growth in programs and services offered, staff, and responsibilities, particularly as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Administrative capacity, corporate services, and governance capacity have not scaled, with the growth in funding and programming placing a significant burden on the Agency's leadership and staff.

To meet the challenge, the Agency developed and maintained a comprehensive Corporate Risk Profile to support risk-based decision-making and was guided by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Guide to Integrated Risk Management and the Canadian Standards Association's ISO 31000. The Agency closely monitors its environment and operations to manage its corporate risks, ensures appropriate mitigation strategies are in place, and allocates and reallocates resources as required. This approach supports effective service delivery, better project management, increased value for money, and ultimately better results for Northerners and Indigenous communities.

As Canada emerges from the pandemic, the Agency will closely monitor the risks associated with COVID-19, and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place to effectively deliver on our mandate.

Significant Changes in Relation to Operations, Personnel and Programs

There have been no significant changes in relation to operations, personnel and programs during this quarter.

Approved by: