Deputy Minister's Office
The Deputy Minister's Office serves as the point of contact between the department and the offices of the Ministers and Secretaries of State. It ensures the quality and accuracy of all correspondence submitted to them for signature and/or approval.

Communications Branch
The Communications Branch is responsible for the strategic planning and management of internal and external departmental communications. It promotes Canadian Heritage policies, programs and services and ensures the Department continues to be visible, accessible and accountable to the public. The Branch also advises the various sectors of the Department on all issues related to communications, publishing, publication coordination, advertising, exhibitions, media relations and ministerial events.

Corporate Secretariat
This group supports the offices of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Portfolio ministers and Secretaries of State, as well as the Deputy Minister and Associate Deputy Minister, through the coordination and provision of a wide range of advisory and operational services. The Corporate Secretariat includes the Access to Information and Privacy Secretariat, Parliamentary and Regulatory Affairs, the Executive Services Secretariat, and Planning and Resources Management.

Departmental Legal Services Unit
Lawyers from the Department of Justice offer the Senior Management and program managers a wide range of services, including legal opinions and advice on the laws and programs administered by the Department, litigation support drafting regulatory texts and giving advice on policies being developed.

Human Resources and Workplace Management
Reporting to the Deputy Minister, the Human Resources and Workplace Management provides services and advice to the Management Committee and to managers of the Department on all matters involving human resources management, protection and safety services and facilities management services. Thus, the Branch ensures human resources services in the National Capital Region and in Regional Offices.

Office of the Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive
The Office of the Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive (OCAEE) is a critical constituent in strengthening Canadian Heritage's accountability, stewardship, risk management and governance. The OCAEE provides the Department with independent audit, financial and internal controls assessment, recipient compliance audit, risk mitigation, evaluation and performance measurement services. By conducting regular, risk based audits and evaluations, the OCAEE contributes to sound departmental management in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department's programs and activities.

Evaluations provide objective and evidence-based advice and information on PCH programs' performance, relevance rationale, results and cost effectiveness whereas audits concentrate on program management, efficiency and compliance, specifically focusing on risks, control and governance processes. In particular, the Audit and Assurance Services Directorate is responsible for conducting audits and for providing other assurance services to the department. It is also responsible for liaising with the Office of the Comptroller General, the Office of the Auditor General and the Commissioner of the Environment, as well as with other assurance providers across the government.

The OCAEE also provides services for the management of recipient compliance audits to assess recipient compliance with the terms and conditions of their respective contribution agreement. Canadian Heritage's Integrated Risk Management is lead by the OCAEE in which its services support a continuous, proactive and systematic process to understand, manage and communicate risk from an organization-wide perspective.

The OCAEE also acts as secretariat in support of departmental committees for Evaluation and Audit, which in turn provide advice to Canadian Heritage's Deputy Minister.

To carry out these functions, our organizational structure and responsibilities are divided into four directorates: Audit and Assurance Services; Evaluation Services; Integrated Risk Management, Compliance and Special Investigations Services; and Committee Secretariat and Branch Management Services.

Office of the Ombudsman, Integrity Officer and Informal Conflict Management
The Ombudsman is an impartial party who offers services to all Department staff, regardless of the employee's level or job category. The Office's mandate is to build trust and promote an environment within the Department that encourages employees to address their concerns, and be a communications channel and a vehicle to assist the organization in working towards change. The Office, which is a distinct entity reporting directly to the Deputy Minister, operates according to three guiding principles: neutrality, confidentiality and informality. The Ombudsman is also responsible for the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, and Informal Conflict Management.

Portfolio Affairs Office
The Portfolio Affairs Office (PAO) supports and advises the Minister and the Deputy Minister in the establishment of priorities and broad objectives within which the 19 organizations of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio carry out their activities. It provides strategic analysis and advice on issues such as policy, programs, strategic planning, performance management, resource allocation, accountability and legislative requirements. It fosters Portfolio organizations' involvement in the Government's agenda and actively seeks opportunities for collaboration. PAO advises on all issues relating to Governor-in-Council appointments and coordinating the appointment process. It advances and promotes best governance practices and provides logistical and secretariat support for Portfolio meetings.

Citizenship and Heritage Sector
The Citizenship and Heritage Sector integrates programs and policies that strengthen the foundations of our society - inclusion, linguistic duality, respect for diversity, participation, the promotion and preservation of heritage, support for Aboriginal communities and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The activities of the sector foster strong communities and reinforce shared citizenship and a sense of belonging to Canada. The Citizenship and Heritage sector has policies and programs in five key areas - Official Languages, Multiculturalism and Human Rights, Aboriginal Affairs, Heritage and Citizen Participation. In addition, the sector supports one administrative tribunal, the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board, and two special operating agencies, the Canadian Heritage Information Network and the Canadian Conservation Institute.

Aboriginal Affairs Branch
The Aboriginal Affairs Branch supports the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal languages and cultures through community-based language initiatives and northern broadcasting. The Branch also promotes social cohesion and the participation of Aboriginal people in Canadian society through its focus on Aboriginal youth and urban off-reserve populations.

Aboriginal Peoples' Program Directorate
The Aboriginal Peoples' Program contributes to strengthening Aboriginal cultural identity and facilitates the inclusion of Aboriginal people in a manner that recognizes their cultures and fosters their contribution to Canada. The Aboriginal Peoples' Program provides funding to support Aboriginal youth, Aboriginal women, friendship centre organizations, and Aboriginal broadcasting and the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal languages.

Policy and Research Directorate
The Policy and Research Directorate provides policy research, issue analysis and advice to the Minister of Canadian Heritage on matters concerning Aboriginal Peoples cultures, heritage, identity, and the unique place of Aboriginal Peoples in Canadian society. The Directorate also provides departmental input into the development of federal Aboriginal initiatives, claims and self-government processes, and participates in the elaboration of the federal Aboriginal policy framework.

Citizen Participation Branch
The Citizen Participation Branch helps Canadians to better understand both the diversity and the shared aspects of the Canadian experience, and seeks to connect Canadians to one another and their communities. The Branch is home to a number of programs that serve to fulfill these objectives, namely: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage, Exchanges Canada, Katimavik, Canadian Studies, and the Young Canada Works Secretariat.

The Community Engagement Directorate oversees the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program, which provides grants and contributions for local arts and heritage festivals and events, for the purpose of engaging Canadians in their communities through arts and heritage and community historical anniversaries.

The Youth Participation Directorate oversees the Exchanges Canada Program (including Youth Exchanges Canada and Youth Forums Canada), the Canadian Studies Program and Katimavik, and acts as a secretariat for Young Canada Works. These programs seek to increase young Canadians' knowledge and understanding of Canada, its history, people and institutions, through reciprocal homestay exchanges, thematic forums, learning materials and activities, and employment and internship opportunities.

Multiculturalism and Human Rights Branch
The Multiculturalism and Human Rights Branch groups policy and program activities related to multiculturalism and human rights. The Branch supports the Government's agenda for promoting Canadian identity, and for the inclusion and valuing of all citizens in the social fabric of the country.

Human Rights Program
The Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) has been given responsibility at the federal level for "the promotion of a greater understanding of human rights, fundamental freedoms and values" [Department of Canadian Heritage Act, s. 4(2) (a)] in the domestic context.

The primary objectives of the Human Rights Program (HRP) are to enhance the effective implementation of international human rights instruments to which Canada is a party and to increase respect for, awareness, understanding and enjoyment of human rights in Canada.

The HRP coordinates federal-provincial-territorial consultations related to rights.

The HRP has overall responsibility for the preparation and publication of all six of Canada's reports to the United Nations on international human rights treaties to which Canada is a party. The Human Rights Program provides guidelines and advice to other federal departments and to provincial and territorial governments to guide their submissions to Canada's reports.

The Program maintains a website of information on human rights in Canada, including information on the UN treaties Canada has ratified. The Program develops and disseminates human rights education materials in partnership with both NGOs and other government departments. These materials are aimed at the general public, with special emphasis on children, youth, teachers and other professional groups. It distributes over 50,000 copies of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and 10,000 copies of "Your Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" annually.

The Human Rights Program works with non-profit organizations, educators, human rights specialists, and others and provides funding for grants and contributions to increase Canadians' awareness, knowledge, and practical enjoyment of the international human rights instruments applicable to Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Multiculturalism Program
The mandate of the Multiculturalism Program is derived from the multiculturalism policy and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

Through the adoption of a formal multiculturalism policy, the federal government recognized multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society. The policy encourages a vision of Canada based on the values of equality and mutual respect with regard to race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion. In 1988, the multiculturalism policy became law when Parliament passed the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

To attain these goals, the Program has the following objectives:

1) Ethno-cultural/Racial Minorities Participate in Public Decision-Making (Civic Participation)

To assist in the development of strategies that facilitate full and active participation of ethnic, racial, cultural and religious communities in Canadian society.

2) Communities and the Broad Public Engage in Informed Dialogue and Sustained Action to Combat Racism (Anti-Racism, Anti-Hate, Cross-Cultural Understanding)

To increase public awareness, understanding and informed public dialogue about multiculturalism, racism and cultural diversity in Canada.

To facilitate collective community initiatives and responses to ethnic, racial, cultural and religious conflict and hate-motivated activities.

3) Public Institutions Eliminate System Barriers (Institutional Change).

To improve the ability of public institutions to respond to ethnic, racial, cultural and religious diversity by assisting in the identification and removal of barriers to equitable access and supporting the involvement of these ethno-cultural/racial communities in the public decision-making process.

4) Federal Policies, Programs and Services Respond to Diversity (Federal Institutional Change).

To encourage and assist in the development of inclusive policies, programs and practices within Federal Departments and Agencies so that they may meet their obligations under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

Official Languages Support Programs Branch
The Official Languages Support Programs Branch has the mandate to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada and support and assist their development, as well as to foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society, as set out in section 41 of the Official Languages Act, through the two programs identified below. In addition, in accordance with section 42, it coordinates the Government of Canada commitment by encouraging federal departments and agencies to participate actively in community development and promote linguistic duality.

Development of Official-Language Communities Program
The purpose of this program is to help members of English and French linguistic minority communities to improve their ability to live in their own language in their communities, participate in Canadian society and ensure their long-term development, as well as to have access to education in their language in their communities and to programs and services in their language offered by various governments, institutions or administrations. In addition to its grants and contributions activities, the Official Languages Support Programs Branch commits considerable resources to research and to coordination of the federal commitment. The following two components of the program contribute to these objectives.

Community Life component
This component is intended to create, improve and deliver activities and services to official-language minority communities to ensure their long-term development. The component emphasizes funding of activities and services provided by development partners, whether they are organizations in the communities themselves, provincial and territorial governments, or federal departments and agencies, to organize their actions so as to obtain long-term impacts. In this regard, it helps support various community activities and equip these communities with certain infrastructures required to establish living spaces in their language. This component supports community and cultural activities offered by community organizations, and the development of services from provincial and territorial governments in certain priority areas. It also seeks to encourage partnerships between communities and federal departments and agencies in areas contributing to the development of community life.

Minority-Language Education component
This component seeks to help provinces and territories provide programs and activities relating to education in the language of the minority communities and increase the proportion of Canadians who use these programs. The component also seeks to increase and disseminate knowledge, methods and innovative tools that can support minority official-language education. In this regard, it makes it possible to sustain activities relating to the support and administration of education in minority communities, program development, teacher training and development, student support, or other priority areas, such as establish school-community centres, implement strategies to improve recruitment and retention of students and support post-secondary education. It also makes it possible to support first-language development activities and fund research projects or projects to develop methods and tools to help advance education in minority communities.

Enhancement of Official Languages Program
The purpose of this program is to increase the proportion of Canadians who: have a working knowledge of both official languages, have a better understanding of and appreciation for the benefits of linguistic duality, and accept official-language minority rights and foster their participation in Canadian society. In addition to its grants and contributions activities, the Official Languages Support Programs Branch commits considerable resources to research, to certain aspects of the promotion of linguistic duality and to coordination of the federal commitment. The following two components of this program contribute to these objectives.

Promotion of Linguistic Duality component
This component aims to increase participation by Canadians in activities that promote linguistic duality and rapprochement, to promote the French language and culture in Canada, and to increase access for Canadians to services in both official languages provided by non-government organizations. It makes it possible to support activities that promote linguistic duality to Canadians in order to foster a better understanding and appreciation of the advantages of living in a bilingual country. Funding is provided for activities of rapprochement between various groups of Canadians, in particular, as are promotional activities highlighting the importance of learning the second official language or celebrating the contribution of the French language and culture to majority and minority communities. Financial assistance is also provided for activities leading to the development of an organization's bilingual capacity.

Second-Language Learning component
This component is intended to help provinces and territories provide programs and activities aimed at the learning of English and French as a second official language and increase the proportion of Canadians who use these programs. The component also seeks to increase and disseminate knowledge, methods and innovative tools that can support the teaching of the second official language. In this regard, the component makes it possible to sustain activities relating to the support and administration of the teaching of English and French as a second official language, program development, teacher training and development, student support, or other priority areas. It also makes it possible to support activities to learn and develop English and French as a second official language and fund research projects or projects to develop methods and tools to help advance second-language teaching.

Strategic Policy and Management Branch
The Strategic Policy and Management Branch provides a leadership role in promoting and implementing a results-based management approach to policy, planning, research, human resources and financial management. The Branch liaises with various stakeholders to ensure the Sector's interests and priorities are reflected in the department's initiatives. Coordination, support, guidance, expertise and advice are provided to branches on planning, policy, research and all administrative matters. In addition, it conducts and disseminates public opinion and socio-demographic research.

Heritage Group

Heritage Policies and Programs Branch
The Heritage Policies and Programs Branch develops and manages national policies and strategies, and implements legislation aimed at protecting and enhancing public access to Canada's historic artistic, natural and scientific heritage. The Branch maintains ongoing liaison with federal heritage agencies, national museums and non-federal heritage organizations. The Branch also ensures the development and delivery of heritage programs such as the Museums Assistance Program; the Movable Cultural Property Grants Program; Young Canada Works - Heritage component; the Canada Traveling Exhibitions Indemnification Program; the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program – Capacity Building component. In addition, the Branch co-manages the Cultural Spaces Canada Program with the Arts Policy Branch. Finally, the Branch is responsible for managing the implementation of Canada's international obligations in relation to the import and export of cultural property, and it provides administrative services to the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board.

Canadian Conservation Institute
Through expertise in conservation science, treatment and preventive conservation, the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) supports the heritage community in conserving Canada's heritage collections so they can be accessible to current and future generations.

A national centre of excellence, CCI performs research and development, provides expert services and disseminates preservation knowledge. Its principal clients are heritage institutions (museums, art galleries and archives), conservators, and others responsible for managing and protecting material cultural heritage in Canada and internationally.

CCI has a multi-disciplinary research program that brings scientists and conservators together to address the conservation and preservation challenges of the heritage community in Canada. Research activities include: scientific research to understand the chemical and physical properties of heritage objects; treatment research directed at developing practical solutions to conservation treatments; and collections preservation research to develop tools, guidelines and frameworks for the cost-effective management of heritage collections to prevent deterioration.

CCI's conservation professionals provide comprehensive services to museums, art galleries and archives, both in CCI laboratories and on-site. Its services include: scientific analysis, conservation and restoration treatments, assessments of heritage facilities, library services and equipment loans.

A central role for CCI is the dissemination of the results of its research through workshops for heritage professionals, professional development for conservators, and an extensive publications program, as well as international technical symposia and conferences.

Clients can access this information via two websites (www.cci-icc.gc.ca and www.preservation.gc.ca) as well as by telephoning 613-998-3721 (or toll-free 1-866-998-3721 for callers outside of the National Capital Region) and selecting Client Services from the menu.

Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN)
A national centre of excellence, the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) enables Canada's museums to engage audiences through the use of innovative technologies. As of March 2008, nearly 1,300 Canadian museums had joined in the collaborative effort to develop content for online audiences.

Through the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC) at virtualmuseum.ca, CHIN assists the Canadian museum community in achieving a collective online presence. The VMC enables Canadians to freely access, in official languages, heritage content and features developed by Canadian museums and galleries, including virtual exhibits, games, educational materials and more than 580,000 images. The VMC also includes the Community Memories section, designed to stimulate community/museum partnerships in the development of local history exhibits. Since its launch, the VMC has enjoyed tremendous success with over 48 million visits and over 260 million page views.

The CHIN Web site, at www.chin.gc.ca, provides the heritage community with access to professional resources, with a particular focus on skills development for the creation, presentation and management of digital content. CHIN products and services include online courses on image digitization and automated collections management systems; information about professional events and career opportunities; research and reference tools; a national inventory of nearly 4 million museum objects, including artefacts, natural science specimens and archaeological sites; intellectual property publications; bibliographies and data dictionaries.

CHIN also represents the museum community in international projects related to access to heritage information. In addition to the VMC and CHIN portals, CHIN also manages the international Conservation Information Network's Web site.

Cultural Affairs Sector
The Cultural Affairs Sector draws together policy development and program delivery related to the arts, broadcasting, cultural industries and on-line cultural content. The Sector provides the Minister with independent policy advice and support on new initiatives that shape overall cultural strategy. Its main objectives are to promote the creation of Canadian cultural content and artistic expression, and to ensure that this content is accessible at home and abroad.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Sector works closely with portfolio agencies including the National Film Board, Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and the Canadian Radio‑Television and Telecommunications Commission.

Cultural Sector Investment Review Directorate
The Cultural Sector Investment Review directorate is responsible for the administration of the Investment Canada Act as it pertains to investments by non-Canadians in Canada's cultural sector. Foreign investors who establish or acquire control of Canadian cultural businesses must obtain the approval of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and, in so doing, must demonstrate that their investments will be of net benefit to Canada. Directorate staff works with investors to help them develop commitments that will benefit Canada and Canadian culture in a variety of ways. Once the Minister has approved an investment, the directorate monitors an investor's performance against these commitments over a period of 3-5 years following the investment.

Francophone Secretariat
The Francophone Secretariat's mandate is to ensure that Canadian Heritage arts and culture programs and policies reflect Canada's Francophone realities. The Secretariat serves a horizontal role, working closely with the Department's arts and culture branches, by managing and/or coordinating the development of sector-wide strategies and delivery of special events, providing input to annual reports, and providing support to the Department in official government responses as related to Francophone and select official languages affairs.

The Secretariat provides strategic advice, gathers information, engages in policy coordination and development, liaises on behalf of the Cultural Affairs Sector with regard to its reporting obligations under Section 41 of the Official Languages Act and participates in and organizes outreach activities.

Arts Policy Branch
The Arts Policy Branch develops national strategies, policies and programs to assist Canadian artists and non-profit cultural organizations, and conducts related research. It also develops legislation and proposes legislative amendments to the Status of the Artist Act and the Income Tax Act pertaining to the status of the artist and national arts services organizations. The Arts Policy Branch is responsible for the Arts Presentation Canada Program, the National Arts Training Contribution Program, the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program, the Cultural Capitals of Canada Program, the Cultural Spaces Canada Program, the Arts, Culture and Diversity Program and the Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust. The Arts Policy Branch also advises the Minister on policies regarding the Canada Council for the Arts and the National Arts Centre.

Broadcasting Policy and Programs Branch
The Broadcasting Policy and Programs Branch works to ensure that the Canadian broadcasting system contributes to the realization of Canadian social, cultural and economic objectives, as defined by the Broadcasting Act. The Branch is responsible for advising the Government on policy based on Canada's Broadcasting Act and for formulating policies, proposing legislation and designing and administering programs in relation to the Canadian broadcasting system. Broadcasting policy provides a framework for the activities of Canada's public and private broadcasting entities, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and federally funded programs. In addition, the Branch monitors, analyzes and provides policy advice on the evolving broadcasting environment, with a particular focus on digital media.

Canadian Culture Online Branch
Canadian Culture Online is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to encourage a uniquely Canadian presence on the Internet. The objectives are to help create Canadian interactive cultural content, encourage Canadians to access that content and help create the right environment for Canada to become a leader in interactive cultural content production. The funding programs under Canadian Culture Online help creators and communities, cultural industries and institutions to develop and promote interactive content that reflects our culture, history, arts and heritage. Important areas of emphasis are the creation of original French language content and content for Canadian youth. Key policy issues include cultural diversity, French on the Internet, Aboriginal content, Internet usage, as well as digital standards and interoperability. The Branch is also responsible for the Canada New Media Fund administered by Telefilm Canada.

Copyright Policy Branch
Copyright has been described as the foundation upon which all cultural creation is built. Copyright allows creators to be fairly compensated for their works, and provides mechanisms through which Canada and the world's rich cultural heritage is disseminated and made accessible to the greatest possible number of citizens. Copyright promotes and protects all forms of creative endeavour, and thus supports the development of all Canadian cultural industries. The Copyright Policy Branch, in cooperation with the Intellectual Property Policy Directorate of Industry Canada, is responsible for formulating national policies, and for proposing legislative amendments to the Copyright Act when necessary. The work of the Branch ensures, through the development of policies and legislation, the legal recognition and protection of the economic and moral rights of creators.

Cultural Industries Branch
The Cultural Industries Branch develops, implements and administers policies and programs in the fields of book and periodical publishing, music and audiovisual. The Cultural Industries Branch is responsible for fostering the creation, publication and dissemination of Canadian books and periodicals and for supporting the production, distribution and consumption of Canadian audiovisual cultural products and sound recordings. Through the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office, it also co‑administers Canada's film and video tax credit program with the Canada Revenue Agency. The Branch advises the Minister on Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board of Canada. It is also responsible for the certification of international coproduction projects and for the administration of the Foreign Publishers Advertising Services Act.

International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Sport Sector
The International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Sport Sector is responsible for advancing the Department's vision of sharing diverse cultural experiences and an inclusive society domestically and internationally through notably culture, the arts, trade and sport.

The Sector coordinates the conduct of the Department's intergovernmental relations and international affairs including the promotion of cultural and sporting objectives on the national and international scene, bilateral cooperation with provinces and territories and other countries and engagement within multilateral organizations. The Sector also supports Canadian arts and cultural small and medium-sized enterprises by ensuring the inclusion of their interests in the federal government's international business strategies and in its trade and investment policies. Sport Canada programs and activities generate benefits in terms of health, social cohesion, economic activity and cultural diversity through initiatives such as the promotion of participation, the hosting of sporting events and athlete assistance. The Sector is also responsible for coordinating the Government of Canada's participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler as well as providing support to the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

International Affairs Branch
The International Affairs Branch serves as the link between domestic expertise and the international environment on issues related to culture, sport, citizen participation and social inclusion and helps interpret the international context within which national policies are developed and carried out. Consequently, the international activities of Canadian Heritage involve a wide range of domestic and international partners and strive to shape international policy discussions and action plans ensuring they reflect Canadian interests.

The International Affairs Branch comprises: International Policy and Programs Directorate, International Relations and International Sport. Together they manage the Department of Canadian Heritage's international relations, participation, negotiations and strategy, as well as policy development and program management.

The International Policy and Programs Directorate is responsible for implementing the International Strategic Framework (ISF) for the Department of Canadian Heritage and its Portfolio partners in order to coordinate international activities in such priority areas as international cultural promotion and cultural trade, participation and social inclusion, as well as cultural and sport relations with China. In addition, the Directorate seeks to advance Canada's thinking and positions in the international arena on issues such as cultural diversity and social inclusion through its policy development and research activities. Finally, the Directorate negotiates international audiovisual co-production agreements on behalf of the federal government and oversees Canada's involvement in TV5, the international French-language television network.

The International Relations Directorate is responsible for the international coordination and advancement of Government of Canada's perspectives on cultural policy issues through multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States and the Council of Europe, and through bilateral missions. The Directorate has played a leading role over the years in promoting the adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions at UNESCO. The Directorate is also responsible for strengthening Canada's participation and influence within the International Francophonie in the areas of culture, heritage and sport, and for organizing the participation of Team Canada at the Jeux de la Francophonie. The Directorate also houses the International Network on Cultural Policy's Liaison Bureau.

The International Sport Directorate works to enhance Canada's position as a leading sport nation by influencing the international sport policy agenda to advance domestic sport objectives. These objectives include anti-doping, increased access and equity in sport for under-represented groups, such as women and disabled athletes, and the use of sport as a tool for social development and peace internationally. The Directorate achieves these objectives through various means including participation on key multilateral fora and international bilateral agreements that provide for exchanges of information and experts on key sport policies and program interests. The Directorate was a key player in Canada's role in the development of the International Convention Against Doping in Sport at UNESCO.

Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs Branch
The Intergovernmental Affairs Directorate seeks to forge strategic alliances with other levels of government to support all areas of mutual interest in the Canadian Heritage portfolio, such as multiculturalism, the arts, culture and heritage, as well as to ensure that intergovernmental issues are incorporated into the Department's policies and programs.

The Tourism Policy Directorate guides the Department's approach to tourism and seeks to influence Canada's priorities and objectives in this policy area. The Directorate provides leadership in the promotion of sustainable tourism. The Directorate is also co-coordinating the Federal-Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Tourism Initiative.

Sport Canada Branch
Sport Canada contributes to the Department's mission, "Towards a more cohesive and creative Canada," through its pursuit of the achievement of the four goals of the Canadian Sport Policy, namely, to enhance participation in sport by all Canadians, to pursue excellence on the international stage by Canada's athletes, coaches and teams, to increase the capacity of the Canadian sport system, and to promote effective interaction and partnerships between stakeholders. Sport Canada's mission is "to enhance opportunities for Canadians to participate and excel in sport."

Sport Canada manages three funding programs that work in a complementary manner in the achievement of the Canadian Sport Policy goals for sport and broad Government of Canada policy objectives. To these ends, the Branch provides assistance to national sport organizations, multisport service organizations, athletes, coaches, organizing committees of major sport events, Canadian Sport Centres, provincial and territorial governments and engages in other activities connected to sport which support departmental strategic objectives.

Sport Canada Funding Programs
The Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) contributes to the pursuit of excellence through its support for improved Canadian athlete performances at major international sporting events, enabling athletes to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performances. To this end, the program identifies and supports athletes already at or having the potential to be in the top sixteen in the world in their sport.

The Sport Support Program (SSP) is the primary funding vehicle for initiatives associated with the delivery of the Canadian Sport Policy. The SSP funding is aimed at developing athletes and coaches at the highest international levels; providing sound technically-based sport programming for all athletes; increasing the number of Canadians from all segments of society involved in sport, and advancing Canadian interests and values in Canada and abroad. This funding is provided to eligible organizations in support of programming that supports the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy.

The Hosting Program (HP) is a key instrument in the Government of Canada's overall approach to sport development in Canada and aims to enhance the development of sport excellence and the international profile of sport organizations by assisting sport organizations to host the Canada Games and international sport events in Canada. These events are expected to produce significant sport, economic, social and cultural benefits. The Program has four components: International Major Multisport Games; International Single Sport Events; International Multisport Games for Aboriginal Peoples and Persons with a Disability; and the Canada Games.

2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Federal Secretariat
The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Federal Secretariat, a Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage, is the focal point for the Government of Canada's participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler.

The Secretariat pursues activities to foster positive domestic and international exposure to help make these 'Canada's Games', to globally position Canada as a country of excellence and innovation, and to ensure that the 2010 Winter Games leave sustainable social, cultural, economic and sport opportunities and legacies for all Canadians. The Government of Canada's involvement in the 2010 Winter Games includes the coordination and delivery of essential services for the Games, such as security, customs and immigration.

The 2010 Winter Games Federal Secretariat works closely with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and with major Games stakeholders to provide leadership, advice and secretariat support to interdepartmental and intergovernmental engagement in 2010 and related initiatives.

Trade and Investment Branch
The Trade and Investment Branch works to strengthen the cultural sector internationally through increased cultural exports and growth in business opportunities, and through the provision of expertise and policy advice on cultural trade and investment issues, including trade negotiations and disputes. Using an innovative and targeted trade program, Trade Routes, the Branch provides international business development and export preparedness support to small- and medium-sized enterprises in Canada's arts and cultural sector. The Branch consists of three directorates: the Trade Policy and Negotiations Directorate, the Trade and Investment Development Directorate and the Strategic Policy, Planning and Outreach Directorate.

The Trade Policy and Negotiations Directorate (TPN) works in close cooperation with PCH policy and program teams, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, other federal departments and various stakeholders to ensure that Canada retains the flexibility to carry out cultural policy objectives under international trade and investment agreements and in the context of legal disputes. The directorate also seeks to ensure that the international agenda is coherent with respect to the cultural trade interface by actively participating in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora on cultural trade issues, and by monitoring industry, regulatory and technological trends.

The Trade and Investment Development Directorate (TID) provides Trade Routes' services in order to support Canadian cultural entrepreneurs in performing arts, visual arts, design, publishing, sound recording, film and television, crafts, new media, and heritage. The directorate is divided into two units. The Cultural Trade Program is responsible for the administration and implementation of the Trade Routes Contributions program, which provides financial support to Canadian arts and cultural entrepreneurs wishing to access international markets. The Market Development Unit is responsible for coordinating the market development initiatives of seven officers located across Canada and five officers located at Canadian missions abroad.

The Strategic Policy, Planning and Outreach Directorate (SPP) services target Canadian arts and cultural industries and are designed to expand their international business opportunities, export capacity and market development. The Directorate oversees the coordination and monitoring of business planning and performance measurement for the Branch as a whole, developing trade and investment strategies, and focusing on outreach and consultation with our industrial clients, partners and other stakeholders. The Directorate is also responsible for the development and implementation of Trade Routes' research plan and communications strategy.

Planning and Corporate Affairs Sector
Helping the Department better serve Canadians, that's what we're all about. As the champion of excellence in management, the Planning and Corporate Affairs Sector provides leadership and support to departmental activities in the delivery of programs that in turn enable the Department to fulfill its mandate and accountabilities.

Strategic Planning, Policy, Research, Cabinet Affairs and Official Languages Secretariat Branch
The Strategic, Planning, Policy, Research, Cabinet Affairs and Official Languages Secretariat Branch is responsible for providing the Department with timely and relevant strategic advice; leadership in integrated planning, reporting and modern management practices; policy research and analysis in areas of strategic importance, strategic policy, and supporting the Deputy Minister and Minister for all matters for Cabinet.

Financial Management Branch
The Financial Management Branch is responsible for developing and implementing the financial management framework in Canadian Heritage that is the foundation for sound decision-making and sound comptrollership practices. The Branch has four directorates:

The Financial Planning and Resource Management Directorate is responsible for the development and maintenance of an integrated financial management framework; the funding of departmental operations through the preparation of departmental Budgets and Estimates; monitoring, controlling, and providing advice for the optimum utilization of resources allocated to the Department; and developing and directing the implementation of sound financial planning, financial control and financial reporting.

The Grants and Contributions Centre of Expertise. Following the Department's success in ensuring due diligence in the management of grants and contributions' programs through the process of enhanced monitoring, a Centre of Expertise was created in early 2003. The Centre brings together all corporate functions and services in support of grants and contributions and is leading the migration to a balanced approach that continues to manage risks and maintain accountability while improving access and service for the diversity of program applicants.

The Centre comprises: Policy and Advisory Services which promotes and facilitates the good management of grants and contributions' programs throughout their life cycle (design, delivery, monitoring and audit/evaluation) in accordance with the Department's Grants and Contributions Management Policy: Principles and Standards of Practice; a Secretariat which ensures the accuracy of processes and tracks files for approval; a departmental Grants and Contributions Information Management System; and a Learning Services unit which provides tools, training and opportunities for program staff to share best practices.

The Accounting Operations, Financial Policies and System Directorate is in charge of the departmental accounting operations, issuance of payments and collection of revenues. It maintains the departmental financial delegation of signing authorities and is responsible for the production of Public Accounts and departmental Financial Statements, development and interpretation of financial policies, monitoring of internal controls and training on financial matters and system. It is also responsible for the support development and maintenance of the Department's Integrated Financial and Material System (STAR).

The Contracting and Materiel Management Directorate is responsible for providing services, advice and support to management in the areas of goods and services contracting, partnerships, warehousing, fleet operations and asset tracking.

Knowledge, Information and Technology Services
The Knowledge, Information and Technology Services' (KITS) mandate is to provide its clients in Canadian Heritage with IM/IT leadership and expert advice in the area of technology and information management. KITS is responsible for developing and implementing an Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) strategy to support the Department's strategic business directions. KITS is responsible for developing and maintaining corporate systems and providing an efficient and secure technical infrastructure.

Public and Regional Affairs Sector
The Public and Regional Affairs (PRA) Sector is mandated to ensure an integrated, coherent and proactive approach in how Canadian Heritage reaches out to Canadians. In contributing to the government's important role in bringing Canadians together, the PRA Sector delivers events, stories and shared experiences, domestically and internationally. The Sector also ensures that Canadian Heritage policies, programs and services are delivered in a regionally sensitive way and that regional perspectives are represented at the departmental executive table.

E-Services Branch
The mandate of the Branch is to enable the Department of Canadian Heritage to promote Canadian arts, culture, heritage and sports to Canadians and improve departmental service delivery through innovative use of the internet.

This mandate is delivered through a variety of strategies and initiatives, which include:

eBusiness Strategies
The eBusiness Strategies unit is responsible for management of business strategies, business case development and project management support for eServices and Canadian Heritage Web initiatives of importance to the mandate of Canadian Heritage and partnering departments and agencies. The unit also provides support in the development of electronic forms used on the Canadian Heritage Web site.

Service Delivery Strategies
The Service Delivery Strategies unit assists Canadian Heritage in providing high quality, consistent, and responsive service to Canadians and departmental clients. The unit provides expertise and advice in departmental service improvement initiatives, such as business process mapping and optimization, service standards for programs and services, Service Delivery Performance Measurement Framework, and an inventory of Canadian Heritage programs and services. It also manages the Canadian Heritage Enquiry Centre, overseeing the departmental telephone and email channels.

Web Services
This unit maintains the Canadian Heritage departmental Web site (www.pch.gc.ca), providing public access to information on the Department's programs, policies, publications and events. It comprises over 63,000 Web pages and is visited by more than 700,000 Internet users per month. The unit also maintains the Culture, Heritage and Recreation Cluster (www.culturecanada.gc.ca), which was created as part of the Treasury Board's Government On-Line (GOL) initiative. This Web site aims to deliver one-stop, quick and easy access to government culture, heritage and recreation services and programs.

Major Events and Celebrations Branch
The Major Events and Celebrations Branch seeks primarily to promote and strengthen Canadian identity and pride in Canada, while highlighting major accomplishments and achievements. It also seeks to commemorate and celebrate Canada, and the individuals, events and symbols that shape our unique character and sense of identity.

Celebration and Commemoration
The Celebration and Commemoration Directorate's work is the cornerstone of a strategy designed to create a constant and unified federal presence across the country. The Directorate has the mandate to create opportunities for Canadians to celebrate/commemorate their history, diversity and achievements through a two-fold approach that includes Celebrate Canada!, "the 11-day period culminating on July 1 with Canada Day celebrations", and a five-year plan entitled "Building a Cohesive Canada through Celebrations and Commemoration" which is a theme-based dynamic approach to celebrating and commemorating significant people, places, symbols, anniversaries and events. These activities are delivered in collaboration with other federal departments, agencies, regions, partners and stakeholders. The Program provides opportunities to bring Canadians together in their communities to discover and appreciate the richness and diversity of Canadian society and to show their sense of belonging to Canada and pride in being Canadian.

State Ceremonial and Corporate Events
The mandate of the State Ceremonial and Corporate Events Directorate is to coordinate various national events, such as royal visits, state funerals and installation of new Governors General, and the promotion and protection of Canadian symbols. Other activities include provision of ceremonial and protocol advice, administration of federal support to Lieutenant Governors, oversight and coordination of a gift bank for use by the members of Cabinet, administration of the List of Precedence as well as oversight of activities on Parliament Hill.

Quebec City's 400^th Anniversary
In response to Canadians' ever-growing interest in celebrating great people and defining moments that have shaped Canada's history, Canadians will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City in 1608, Canada's oldest city, as a key commemorative event.

By way of its Celebration, Commemoration and Learning Program, the Department is supporting commemorative programming by coordinating federal involvement in 2008 events, working with federal departments and agencies and other partners, including the "Société du 400^e anniversaire de Québec".

International Expositions Branch
The International Expositions Branch plans, manages and implements Canada's participation in international expositions with the goal of enhancing their positive impact, both nationally and internationally, and promoting Canada's interests abroad. Ensuring the active participation of Canadians in international expositions through the development of programs and initiatives is a priority. The Branch represents the Government of Canada at the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), the body that controls the frequency and the quality of international expositions, and ensures that the requirements of the BIE Convention are met when expositions are held in Canada.

The Government of Canada has accepted China's invitation to participate in Expo 2010 in Shanghai and the International Expositions Branch will develop and manage Canada's participation at this event, which will be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010. Under the theme 'Better City, Better Life', China expects that this event will attract more than 90 million visitors and approximately 200 official participants.

Management, Regional and Correspondence Services Branch
The Management, Regional and Correspondence Services Branch is responsible for the management of the strategic, business planning and reporting functions for the Public and Regional Affairs Sector, directing public opinion research and trends analysis for the Department and providing policy advice to the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Sector and other senior executives of the Department. The Branch is also responsible for the management of regional liaison and coordination between the Department's five regions and headquarters, the management and operations of ministerial correspondence, operation of the mailroom in the Department's headquarters and the sectoral management of human, financial and material resources.

Regions
Five regional offices, located in Moncton, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver, manage and deliver programs, serve clients, provide liaison daily with the public and contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies. Twenty-two points of service across the country ensure that Canadians have access to departmental programs and services.