2021 Transition binder two: Research

Research Overview

Background

Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) is mandated to advance equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression through the inclusion of people of all genders, including women, in Canada’s economic, social, and political life. The Department undertakes, coordinates and commissions research to execute this function.

The Department’s current research activities are grouped into five thematic priority areas:

• education and skills development;
• economic participation and prosperity;
• leadership and democratic participation;
• gender-based violence (GBV) and access to justice; and
• poverty reduction, health and well-being.

Research projects are designed to support evidence-based policy and programs by governments, civil society organizations, private sector organizations and others working to advance gender equality in Canada, as well as to facilitate monitoring of progress towards gender equality in Canada. In order to facilitate monitoring of gender equality in Canada, WAGE’s research team worked in collaboration with Finance Canada and Global Affairs Canada to develop a framework of goals and indicators (Gender Results Framework).

To carry out its research function, the department uses a variety of mechanisms, including in-house research, agreements with other federal departments, support to national research networks, and contracts to private industry, academics and other non-government organizations. One of the key partners of WAGE’s research program is Statistics Canada, who carries out targeted studies on behalf of WAGE, using their large data sets. The department also partners with Statistics Canada to conduct national surveys related to GBV.

Research products developed or commissioned by the department are shared using a breadth of mechanisms, including the department’s online GBV Knowledge Centre platform, Statistics Canada’s flagship publications and its Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub, as well as through written research summaries and presentations.