The Canadian government has been implementing and evolving its methods to ensure gender and diversity perspectives are adequately taken into account in policy development since the mid-1990s. The initial Gender-Based Analysis approach was developed as part of the Government’s implementation of the United Nations’ Beijing Platform for Action on gender equality in 1995. In 2011, the methodology was broadened and rebranded as Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus), with the ‘Plus’ being added to encourage the consideration of the multiple factors that shape experiences and outcomes beyond sex and gender. The GBP Plus methodology is used in conjunction with Canada’s Quality of Life framework to support departments’ planning, development, implementation, measurement and reporting of their programmes’ impacts. The Ministry of Women and Gender Equality oversees the methodology and implementation of the GBA plus tool.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programmes, and other initiatives. It is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Its aim is to support a deeper understanding of who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; help identify how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipate and mitigate any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative.

By using GBA Plus, policymakers are prompted to consider how norms, attitudes, and institutional biases may shape the range of policy options and outcomes. The goal is to promote a structured and inclusive approach that ensures the needs of all groups are accounted for, contributing to more equitable and effective policy development.

Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (2024). What is Gender-Based Analysis Plus. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-analysis-plus/what-gender-based-analysis-plus.html

Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (2024). Apply Gender-Based Analysis Plus to your work. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-analysis-plus/apply-to-work.html

Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (2024). Gender-based Analysis Plus resources. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-analysis-plus/resources.html

OECD (2023), Canada’s Quality of Life Framework. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/well-being-knowledge-exchange-platform-kep_93d45d63-en/canada-s-quality-of-life-framework_9f92bdde-en.html

OECD, How’s Life in your country? Country notes, Canada, https://www.oecd.org/wise/measuring-well-being-and-progress.htm#country-notes