Almost a year ago, the Government of Canada launched Canada’s second National Action Plan on women, peace and security (CNAP), which covers 2017-2022. The first progress report, which covers the period from November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, was tabled in the House of Commons at the end of September.

The progress report summarizes the work done by various government partners to address Canada’s commitments to: increase the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict situations; address sexual and gender-based violence in conflict and as perpetrated by peacekeepers and humanitarian and development workers; promote human rights and gender equality in fragile, conflict and post-conflict settings; provide access to sexual and reproductive health services and other specific needs of women and girls in humanitarian situations; and build capacity in peace operations in the service of advancing the women, peace and security agenda.

The government partners that contribute to the CNAP are Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Status of Women Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, the Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Departmental progress reports are available from each of these.

The inclusion of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada marks a new consideration within the CNAP of Canada’s domestic situation. Their shared departmental progress report ends by saying, “As Canada learns from these experiences domestically, it will also continue to improve its capacity to respond to similar challenges faced by women and girls abroad.”

Additionally, the progress report reiterates Minister Freeland’s announcement of the creation of an Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security, along with an office to support the position. Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj had earlier introduced a private members’ bill to establish such an ambassador.