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Table 14: Financial Statements

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE Statement of Management Responsibility Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2008, and all information contained in these statements rests with departmental management. These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies, which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector. Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information in these financial statements. Some of the information in the financial statements is based on management's best estimates and judgment, and gives due consideration to materiality. To fulfill its accounting and reporting responsibilities, management maintains a set of accounts that provides a centralized record of the department's financial transactions. Financial information submitted to the Public Accounts of Canada and included in the department's Departmental Performance Report is consistent with these financial statements. Management maintains a system of financial management and internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded, and that transactions are in accordance with the Financial Administration Act, are executed in accordance with prescribed regulations, within parliamentary authorities, and are properly recorded to maintain accountability of Government funds. Management also seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements by careful selection, training and development of qualified staff, by organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility, and by communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards and managerial authorities are understood throughout the department. Management is supported by a Departmental Audit Committee (DAC). The DAC is undergoing fundamental changes to its structure, as dictated by the 2006 TBS government-wide Policy on Internal Audit and, as of July 2008, includes members external to DFAIT. The fundamental role of the DAC is to ensure the Deputy Ministers (DM) have independent, objective advice, guidance and assurance on the adequacy of the department's control and accountability processes. Its oversight responsibilities will extend to other key areas and processes including accountability reporting. The DAC will ensure the DMs receive the information needed to manage risk, improve performance and demonstrate accountability.

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE Statement of Operations (Unaudited) For the year ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)     2008   2007 Expenses (Note 4) Expenses from operations   Common Services and Infrastructure (Missions Abroad) 573,212   622,485   Global Issues 490,965   473,148   International Security 426,104   381,798   Passport Canada Special Operating Agency (Revolving Fund) 285,349   221,028   Common Services and Infrastructure (Support from HQ) 233,422   190,915   Bilateral Relations 144,629   123,492   International Business Development 55,763   93,253   World Markets/Commercial Relations 53,842   34,344   Consular Affairs 52,592   111,557   Trade Policy and Negotiations 44,828   557,991   Protocol 43,318   42,731   Strategic Policy and Planning 42,556   50,778   Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment and Science and Technology Cooperation 22,504   13,331 Sub-total expenses from operations 2,469,084   2,916,851 Canada Account expenses 4,414   (93,165) Total expenses 2,473,498   2,823,686 Revenues (Note 5) Revenue from operations   Common Services and Infrastructure (Missions Abroad) 12,122   14,387   Global Issues 3,070   1,465   International Security 4,609   1,118   Passport Canada Special Operating Agency (Revolving Fund) 286,783   235,293   Common Services and Infrastructure (Support from HQ) 45,313   12,311   Bilateral Relations 7,775   2,973   International Business Development 3,473   8,487   World Markets/Commercial Relations 4,054   533   Consular Affairs 101,797   80,623   Trade Policy and Negotiations 2,931   457   Protocol 624   237   Strategic Policy and Planning 5,779   1,855   Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment and Science and Technology Cooperation 983   110 Sub-total revenues from operations 479,313   359,849 Canada Account revenue 367,454   539,199 Total revenues 846,767   899,048 Net cost of operations 1,626,731   1,924,638 The presentation in the current year has changed to include the Canada Account activities in Notes 4 & 5. The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited) As at March 31 (in thousands of dollars)     2008   2007 Assets Financial assets   Accounts receivable and advances (Note 6) 125,410   529,166   Investments in Crown corporations (Note7) 991,200   991,200   Canada Account loans (Note 8) 1,717,161   1,975,237   Inventory held for re-sale 3,589   1,592   Total financial assets 2,837,360   3,497,195 Non-financial assets   Prepaid expenses 15,882   8,800   Consumable inventory 4,024   2,843   Tangible capital assets (Note 9) 1,168,898   1,027,523   Total non-financial assets 1,188,804   1,039,166 TOTAL 4,026,164   4,536,361 Liabilities Liabilities   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 338,589   802,249   Vacation pay and compensatory leave 45,458   42,418   Deferred revenue (Note 11) 373   2,376   Employee severance benefits (Note 12) 110,392   141,205   Total 494,812   988,248 Equity of Canada 3,531,352   3,548,113 TOTAL 4,026,164   4,536,361 Contingent liabilities (Note 13) Contractual obligations (Note 14) The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE Statement of Equity of Canada (Unaudited) As at March 31 (in thousands of dollars)     2008   2007 Equity of Canada, beginning of year 3,548,113   3,860,894     Net results of operations (1,626,731)   (1,924,638)   Current year appropriations used (Note 3) 2,670,911   2,803,575   Revenue not available for spending (535,084)   (682,288)   Refund of prior year expenditures (8,002)   (12,473)   Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (Note 3) (595,855)   (578,357)   Services provided without charge by other government departments (Note 15) 78,000   81,400 Equity of Canada, end of year 3,531,352   3,548,113 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE Statement of Cash Flow (Unaudited) For the year ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)     2008   2007 Operating activities Net results of operations 1,626,731   1,924,638 Non-cash items   Amortization of tangible capital assets (81,553)   (74,344)   Gain on disposal and writedown of tangible capital assets 45,033   2,326   Services provided without charge by other government departments (Note 15) (78,000)   (81,400) Variations in Statement of Financial Position:   (Decrease) increase in accounts receivable and advances (403,756)   395,669   Decrease in Canada Account loans (258,076)   (240,571)   Increase (decrease) in inventory held for resale 1,997   (915)   Increase in prepaid expenses 7,082   1,644   Increase in consumable inventory 1,181   167   Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 463,660   (526,582)   Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave (3,040)   (3,128)   Decrease (increase) in deferred revenue 2,003   (2,225)   Decrease in employee severance benefits 30,813   18,076 Cash used by operating activities 1,354,075   1,413,355 Capital investment activities   Acquisitions of tangible capital assets 225,562   122,232   Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets (47,667)   (5,130) Cash used by capital investment activities 177,895   117,102 Financing Activities Net cash provided by Government of Canada (1,531,970)   (1,530,457) The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

1. Authority and Objectives

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (hereinafter called "the department") operates under the legislation set out in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act, RSC 1985, c. E-22.

The 2007-2008 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP) used the Interim Program Activity Architecture (PAA). Financial information in the 2007-2008 Departmental Performance Report (DPR) is reported on this basis. Under the Interim PAA the four strategic outcomes for the department were as follows: Canada's Interest Are Advanced Internationally, Canada’s Commercial Interests Are Advanced Internationally, Government of Canada Is Served Abroad, and Canadians Are Served Abroad. The Interim PAA had 14 program activities as follows:

• Strategic Policy and Planning–Leading the formulation of Canada's overall foreign policy and commercial strategy and the inter-departmental development of whole-of-government strategies, including public diplomacy.
• International Security–Integrating, advocating, and advancing Canadian international security interest, bilaterally and multilaterally, as well as managing and implementing the department’s policy and programming responsibilities with respect to security and intelligence.
• Global Issues–Advocating a stronger and more effective multilateral system, capable of addressing Canada's interests in global issues, in particular international economic relations and development, environment and sustainable development, human rights and human security.
• Bilateral Relations–Conducting and promoting Canada’s bilateral diplomatic relations in Canada and abroad.
• Protocol–Managing and facilitating the presence of foreign diplomats in Canada as well as planning and leading official travel by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Ministers of the Portfolio and all official diplomatic events.
• Trade Policy and Negotiations–Analyzing, negotiating, advocating and representing Canada's international economic and commercial interests in Canada and abroad, in consultation with stakeholders.
• World Markets/Commercial Relations–Integrating Canada's economic, trade, investment, and science and technology interests at the regional and bilateral level and managing commercial relations.
• International Business Development–Managing and delivering international business services to Canadians.
• Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment and Science and Technology Cooperation–Attracting, retaining and expanding foreign direct investment in Canada.
• Common Services and Infrastructure (Support from HQ)–Managing and delivering Headquarters-provided common services to government programs and partners operating abroad.
• Common Services and Infrastructure (Missions Abroad)–Managing and delivering mission-provided common services to government programs and partners operating in Canada’s missions.
• Consular Affairs–Managing and delivering consular services to Canadians.
• Passport Canada Special Operating Agency (Revolving Fund)–Managing and delivering passport services to Canadians through the use of the Passport Revolving Fund.
• Passport Canada Special Operating Agency (Appropriated Funds)–Managing and delivering passport services to Canadians through initiatives complementing funding from the Appropriated Funds.

On June 7, 2007, Treasury Board Secretariat approved the new DFAIT PAA. The new PAA has the following three strategic outcomes: Canada’s International Agenda, International Services for Canadians and Canada’s International Platform.

The department is also responsible for the Canada Account, which is administered by Export Development Canada (EDC) pursuant to section 23 of the Export Development Act. The Canada Account supports export transactions which, though within the scope of EDC’s authority, are considered to be outside of the organization’s risk tolerance. Such transactions may be conducted under the Canada Account if they are deemed to be in Canada’s national interest by the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of Finance.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

• (a) Parliamentary appropriations: The department is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary appropriations. Appropriations provided to the department do not parallel financial reporting according to Canadian generally accepted accounting principles since appropriations are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through appropriations from Parliament. Note 3 provides a high-level reconciliation between the bases of reporting.
  
• (b) Consolidation: These financial statements include the accounts of Passport Canada. Revenue and expense transactions and asset and liability accounts between Passport Canada and the department have been eliminated. The department has recorded investments in the three Crown corporations: Canadian Commercial Corporation, Export Development Canada and the International Development Research Centre. These investments are recorded at cost. The results of the Crown corporations are not consolidated in these financial statements due to the fact that the department is deemed not to control these entities.
  
• (c) Net Cash Provided by Government: The department operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the department is deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by the department are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements, including transactions between departments of the federal government.
  
• (d) Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund: The change in the net position of the CRF is the difference between the net cash provided by Government and appropriations used in a year, excluding the amount of non-respendable revenue recorded by the department. It results from timing differences between when a transaction affects appropriations and when it is processed through the CRF.
  
• (e) Revenues: Revenues are accounted for in the period in which the underlying transaction or event that gave rise to the revenues occurred. The department also receives revenues from regulatory fees that are recognized in the period in which the service is provided. Revenues that have been received but not yet earned for specified purposes are recorded as deferred revenues.
  
• (f) Expenses: Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis:
  
  
  1. Grants are recognized in the year in which the conditions for payment are met. In the case of grants which do not form part of an existing program, the expense is recognized when the Government announces a decision to make a non-recurring transfer, provided the enabling legislation or authorization for payment receives parliamentary approval prior to the completion of the financial statements;
     
  2. Contributions are recognized in the year in which the recipient has met the eligibility criteria or fulfilled the terms of a contractual transfer agreement;
     
  3. Vacation pay and compensatory leave are expensed as the benefits accrue to employees under their respective terms of employment;
     
  4. Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, the employer’s contribution to the health and dental insurance plans and legal services are recorded as operating expenses at their estimated cost.
     
• (g) Employee future benefits:
  
  
  1. Pension benefits: Eligible Canada-based staff (CBS) participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi-employer plan administered by the Government of Canada. The department's contributions to the Plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. Current legislation does not require the department to make contributions for any actuarial deficiencies. Eligible locally engaged staff (LES) participate in locally administered pension plans. These contributions are charged to expense in the year incurred.
     
  2. Severance benefits: Employees (CBS and LES) are entitled to severance benefits under labour contracts or conditions of employment. These benefits are accrued as employees render the services necessary to earn them. The CBS obligation relating to the benefits earned by employees is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole. The LES obligation is established on the basis of operational requirements of the mission, local laws or practice and is calculated based on the number of eligible employees multiplied by the estimated severance payment based on historical experience.
     
• (h) Cash: Cash for the department consists of the funds in transit from missions and funds received and not yet deposited, partially offset by credits in imprest accounts. This cash is for the facilitation of operations. All foreign currency accounts are valued at the rate as of March 31.
  
• (i) Accounts and loans receivable: Accounts and loans receivable are stated at amounts expected to be ultimately realized; a provision is made for receivables where recovery is considered uncertain. An allowance for loans, resulting in a provision, is applied against the loans receivable balance. An allowance for doubtful accounts, resulting in a charge to bad debt, is applied to the accounts receivable balance.
  
  Loans are initially recorded at cost and are adjusted to reflect the concessionary terms of those loans made on a long-term, low-interest or interest-free basis (unamortized discount). An allowance for valuation is further used to reduce the carrying value of the loans to amounts that approximate their net realizable value. Interest on loans receivables is applied in accordance with the policy that governs the account or the loan. Interest revenue is recognized at the time it is applied to the account.
  
• (j) Investments in Crown corporations: Investments in Crown corporations are recorded at cost. If there is a permanent impairment in value, an allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the investment to a nominal amount.
  
• (k) Repayable contributions: Repayable contributions are contributions where the recipient is expected to repay the amount advanced. The contributions of the department include conditionally repayable contributions, which become either all or partly repayable, if conditions specified in the contribution agreement come into effect. Accordingly, they are not recorded on the Statement of Financial Position until such time as the conditions specified in the agreement are satisfied, at which time they are then recorded as a receivable and a reduction in transfer payment expenses. An estimated allowance for un-collectibility is recorded where appropriate.
  
• (l) Inventories: Inventories consist of parts, material and supplies held for future program delivery and not intended for resale, as well as inventory for sale. All inventories are valued at cost. If they no longer have service potential, they are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
  
• (m) Foreign currency transactions: Transactions involving foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollar equivalents using rates of exchange in effect at the time of those transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars using the rate of exchange in effect on March 31. Losses on foreign exchange are presented in Note 4 - Expenses, while gains on foreign exchange are presented on Note 5 - Revenue.
  
• (n) Tangible capital assets: All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. The department does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, aesthetic or historical value, and assets located in museum collections.
  
  Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:
  
  
  

  Asset Class	Amortization Period
  Buildings	20 to 25 years
  Works and infrastructure	30 years
  Machinery and equipment	3 to 25 years
  Informatics hardware	3 years
  Vehicles	5 to 10 years
  Aircraft	20 years
  Leasehold improvements	Lesser of the life of the improvement or term of the lease
  Assets under construction	Once in service, in accordance with asset type

  
  
• (o) Contingent liabilities: Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. To the extent that the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense recorded. If the likelihood is not determinable or an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
  
• (p) Measurement uncertainty: The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements. At the time of preparation of these statements, management believes the estimates and assumptions to be reasonable. The most significant items where estimates are used are contingent liabilities, the liability for employee severance benefits and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.
  

3. Parliamentary Appropriations

The department receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary appropriations. Items recognized in the Statement of Operations and the Statement of Financial Position in one year may be funded through parliamentary appropriations in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the department has different net results of operations for the year on a government-funding basis than on an accrual-accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:

• (a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year appropriations used:
  
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Net cost of operations		1,626,731		1,924,638
  Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting appropriations: Add (Less):
  	Services provided without charge by other government departments	(78,000)		(81,400)
  	Amortization of tangible capital assets	(81,553)		(74,344)
  	Refunds of prior year expenditures	8,002		12,473
  	Revenue not available for spending	535,084		682,288
  	Gain on disposal and writedown of tangible capital assets	45,033		2,326
  	Decrease in the allowance for loans receivable	327,040		195,527
  	Decrease (increase) in accounts payable not affecting appropriations	10,000		(25,000)
  	Decrease in the allowance for loan guarantees	38,916		30,580
  	Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave	(3,040)		(3,128)
  	Decrease in employee severance benefits	30,813		18,076
  	Other	(23,937)		(1,589)
  		2,435,089		2,680,447
  Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting appropriations Add (Less):
  	Acquisitions of tangible capital assets	225,562		122,232
  	Increase in prepaid expenses	7,082		1,644
  	Increase (decrease) in inventory held for re-sale	1,997		(915)
  	Increase in consumable inventory	1,181		167
  Current year appropriations used		2,670,911		2,803,575

  
  
• (b) Appropriations provided and used
  
  

  		Appropriations Provided
  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Vote 1 - Operating Expenditures		1,275,298		1,321,511
  Vote 5 - Capital Expenditures		206,221		143,535
  Vote 10 - Grants and Contributions		782,158		750,714
  Vote 12a - Debt Forgiveness		-		126,923
  Statutory		610,928		672,696
  		2,874,605		3,015,379
  Less:
  	Appropriations available for future years	75,337		55,598
  	Lapsed appropriations: Operating	53,322		51,611
  	Lapsed appropriations: Capital	35,299		7,136
  	Lapsed appropriations: Grants and Contributions	39,736		97,459
  		203,694		211,804
  	Total appropriations used	2,670,911		2,803,575

  
  
• (c) Reconciliation of net cash provided by Government to current year appropriations used
  
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Net cash provided by Government		1,531,970		1,530,457
  Revenue not available for spending		535,084		682,288
  Refunds of prior year expenditures		8,002		12,473
  		2,075,056		2,225,218
  Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund
  	Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable and advances	403,756		(395,669)
  	Decrease in Canada Account loans	258,076		240,571
  	(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(463,660)		526,582
  	(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue	(2,003)		2,225
  	Adjustment for the allowance for loans receivable	327,040		195,527
  	Adjustment for accounts payable not affecting appropriations	10,000		(25,000)
  	Adjustment for the allowance for loan guarantees	38,916		30,580
  	Other adjustments	23,730		3,541
  		595,855		578,357
  	Current year appropriations used	2,670,911		2,803,575

  
  

4. Expenses

The following table presents details of expenses by category:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Transfer payments
  	Non-profit organizations	378,963		275,251
  	Other countries and international organizations	333,231		885,649
  	Other	14,391		25,583
  	Other levels of government in Canada	11,279		10,842
  	Industry	2,336		4,925
  	Individuals	182		143
  Total transfer payments		740,382		1,202,393
  Operating expenses
  	Salaries and employee benefits	923,449		876,178
  	Foreign exchange loss - Net	344,360		-
  	Professional and special services	194,952		182,951
  	Rentals	182,194		173,738
  	Transportation and telecommunications	177,480		222,136
  	Amortization	81,553		74,344
  	Acquisition of machinery and equipment, including parts and consumables	80,130		82,042
  	Utilities, materials and supplies	41,130		40,405
  	Repairs and maintenance	38,134		41,696
  	Information	21,168		8,598
  	Loan administration charges	14,584		14,446
  	Other	2,382		11,672
  	Bad debt	(35,693)		92,144
  	Provision for loans and guarantees	(332,707)		(199,057)
  Total operating expenses		1,733,116		1,621,293
  Total expenses		2,473,498		2,823,686

  
  

The presentation in the current year has changed to include expenses related to the Canada Account.

5. Revenues

The following table presents details of revenues by category:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Sale of goods and services		432,206		350,902
  Dividend revenue		250,000		350,000
  Interest on non-tax revenues		76,942		78,845
  Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets		45,033		2,326
  Amortization of discounts		27,220		27,225
  Other non-tax revenue		9,782		22,828
  Lease revenue		5,584		-
  Foreign exchange gain - Net		-		66,922
  Total revenues		846,767		899,048

  
  

The presentation in the current year has changed to include revenues related to the Canada Account.

6. Accounts Receivable and Advances

The following table presents details of accounts receivable and advances:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Receivables from external parties		223,575		630,803
  Other advances		32,882		28,381
  Receivables from other government departments and agencies		32,271		50,912
  Employee advances		15,147		16,146
  Cash in transit		11,469		34,207
  Sub-total		315,344		760,449
  Allowance for doubtful accounts on external receivables and advances		(189,934)		(231,283)
  Total receivables and advances, net of allowances		125,410		529,166

  
  

7. Investments in Crown Corporations

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Export Development Canada		983,200		983,200
  Canadian Commercial Corporation		8,000		8,000
  International Development Research Centre		-		-
  Total investments in Crown corporations		991,200		991,200

  
  

Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Canadian Crown corporation that provides financing and risk-management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets worldwide. EDC is financially self-sufficient and operates on commercial principles. It is wholly owned by the Government of Canada, and is listed in Schedule III to the Financial Administration Act, Part 1. EDC reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Trade. Included in this account are 9.8 million EDC shares issued to the Government of Canada at a value of $100 per share. Total authorized capital of EDC is $1,500,000,000, 15 million shares at a par value of $100 each.

During the year, the department recorded dividend revenue from EDC of $250,000,000 ($350,000,000 in 2007).

Canadian Commercial Corporation
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) is an agent Crown corporation listed in Part 1 of Schedule III of the Financial Administration Act. Included within the Corporation’s contributed surplus is paid up capital by the department of $8,000,000.

International Development Research Centre
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Crown corporation that was created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970. IDRC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. IDRC is principally funded by parliamentary appropriations. IDRC was incorporated with no share capital.

8. Canada Account Loans

This category consists of: loans made to national governments and loans to commercial entities. Loans to national governments and commercial entities are administered by EDC through the Canada Account.

Pursuant to section 23 of the Export Development Act, the Minister of International Trade, with concurrence of the Minister of Finance, may authorize EDC to enter into certain transactions or class of transactions where the Minister is of the opinion it is in the national interest and where EDC has advised the Minister that it will not enter into such transactions. Such transactions could not be supported by EDC for various reasons, one of which would be on the basis of EDC’s risk management practices. Funding for such transactions is provided by the Minister of Finance out of the CRF and the transactions are administered by EDC on behalf of the Government of Canada. The department is authorized to issue a maximum of $13,000,000,000 for Canada Account loans and guarantees.

Loan transactions with long repayment terms and/or low or zero interest rates are recorded in part as expenses (amortized discount) when the economic value is reduced due to such concessionary terms.

The following table presents the balances for loans made to national governments and commercial entities:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Loans to national governments
  1 to 5 year term, 0 percent (London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR) interest per annum, with final repayment December 2010		838		1,540
  6 to 10 year term, 0.5 percent to 9 percent interest per annum, with final repayments between March 2007 and June 2014		32,540		37,629
  11 to 15 year term, 0.5 percent (LIBOR) to 5.1 percent (LIBOR) interest per annum, with final repayments between April 2018 and November 2024		82,901		99,403
  16 to 20 year term, 0 percent interest per annum, with final repayment March 2011		4,452		6,666
  21 to 25 year term, 0 percent to 3.00 percent interest per annum, with final repayments between November 2015 and April 2018		27,041		37,019
  31 to 55 year term, 0 percent to 8.97 percent interest per annum, with final repayments between December 2010 and February 2045		733,786		839,108
  		881,558		1,021,365
  Loans to commercial entities
  1 to 5 year term, 8.5 percent interest per annum, with final repayment April 2000		3,399		3,812
  6 to 10 year term, 8.97 to 9.00 percent interest per annum, with final repayment February 2008		17,107		27,178
  11 to 15 year term, 0 percent to 5.89 percent interest per annum, with final repayments between April 2008 and March 2022		1,859,753		2,281,803
  16 to 20 year term, 0 percent interest per annum, with final repayments between June 2012 and November 2014		21,791		22,379
  		1,902,050		2,335,172
  Other loans		31,680		43,867
  Less:
  	Portion expensed due to concessionary terms	(676,572)		(703,791)
  	Allowance for valuation	(421,555)		(721,376)
  		(1,098,127)		(1,425,167)
  Total		1,717,161		1,975,237

  
  

9. Tangible Capital Assets

(in thousands of dollars)

Cost

Capital Asset Class	Opening Balance	Acquisitions	Disposals & Write-offs	Closing Balance
Land	216,983	24,688	(1,133)	240,538
Buildings	1,057,778	77,865	(2,518)	1,133,125
Works and infrastructure	1,204	1,438	-	2,642
Machinery and equipment	64,239	8,581	(508)	72,312
Informatic hardware	52,214	6,071	(440)	57,845
Vehicles	38,680	5,055	(4,220)	39,515
Aircrafts *	-	89,335	-	89,335
Leasehold Improvements	131,875	34,141	-	166,016
Assets under construction	111,411	(21,612)	-	89,799
Total	1,674,384	225,562	(8,819)	1,891,127

Accumulated amortization

Capital Asset Class	Opening Balance	Amortization	Disposals & Write-offs	Closing Balance	2008 Net Book Value	2007 Net Book Value
Land	-	-	-	-	240,538	216,983
Buildings	479,700	48,859	(1,657)	526,902	606,223	578,078
Works and infrastructure	-	36	-	36	2,606	1,204
Machinery and equipment	51,458	2,862	(500)	53,820	18,492	12,781
Informatic hardware	41,818	4,047	(440)	45,425	12,420	10,396
Vehicles	19,183	4,844	(3,586)	20,441	19,074	19,497
Aircrafts *	-	3,320	-	3,320	86,015	-
Leasehold Improvements	54,702	17,585	-	72,287	93,729	77,173
Assets under construction	-	-	-	-	89,799	111,411
Total	646,861	81,553	(6,183)	722,231	1,168,896	1,027,523

Amortization expense for the year ended March 31, 2008 is $81,552,683 (2007 - $74,344,486).

* Aircrafts consists of planes that were returned to the Canada Account due to the restructuring of loan agreements. While the department does not in the ordinary course of business act as lessor, it has engaged in leasing activities to maximize recoveries on these returned assets and minimize potential losses. Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the underlying leases.

10. Softwood Lumber Agreement

The Softwood Lumber Agreement (the "Agreement") between the governments of the United States of America and Canada entered into force on October 12, 2006. Under the authority of the Minister of International Trade, EDC was designated by the Government of Canada to administer the return of duties and interest owed to Canadian companies by the U.S. government. Under this arrangement, EDC purchased the rights to the duties and interest owed to Canadian softwood producers opting to participate in the deposit refund mechanism, with funds advanced by the department from the CRF.

As at March 31, 2007, the department accrued a liability of $502,919,703, representing the net amount due to members of the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, the binational industry council, and meritorious initiatives of the United States of America under the terms of the Agreement. Amounts receivable by the department from EDC as at March 31, 2007 totalled $11,191,307. All outstanding matters in relation to the agreement were settled during 2007-2008 and there are no amounts remaining due or receivable as at March 31, 2008.

11. Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue is comprised of monies received as prepayment for services to be performed by the department on behalf of third parties and deposits and unclaimed cheques for passport fees. Details of the transactions related to this account are as follows:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Opening Balance		2,376		151
  Funds Received		262		2,230
  Revenue Recognized		(2,265)		(5)
  Closing Balance		373		2,376

  
  

12. Employee Benefits

(a) Pension benefits: The department's CBS participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2 percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Québec Pension Plans benefits and are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and the department contribute to the cost of the Plan. The 2007-2008 departmental expense amounts to $69,837,802 ($66,634,100 in 2006-2007), which represents approximately 2.1 times (2.2 times in 2006-2007) the contributions by employees.

The department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.

Eligible LES participate in locally administered pension plans. These plans are linked to local practises. The departmental contributions are charged to expense in the year incurred. The 2007-2008 departmental expense amounts to $15,165,678 ($17,392,141 in 2006-2007).

(b) Severance benefits: The department provides severance benefits to its employees based on eligibility, years of service and final salary. These severance benefits for CBS and LES are not prefunded. Benefits will be paid from future appropriations. Information about the severance benefits, measured as at March 31, is as follows:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year		141,205		159,281
  Expense or adjustment for the year		(18,021)		(3,850)
  Benefits paid or adjustment during the year		(12,792)		(14,226)
  Accrued benefit obligation, end of year		110,392		141,205

  
  

A revision to a management assumption regarding LES severance liability resulted in a $27,530,420 reduction in the estimate of the current year liability. This reduction has been reflected as a reduction to the expense in the current year.

13. Contingent Liabilities

(a) Claims and litigation:
Legal proceedings totalling approximately $12,974,089,247 ($13,263,859,304 in 2006-2007) were still pending at March 31, 2008. Some of these potential liabilities may translate into actual liabilities as a result of court decisions or out-of-court settlements. To the extent to which future legal decisions are assessed as unfavourable, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, estimated liabilities are accrued and an expense is recorded in the financial statements.

(b) Loan guarantees:
Loan guarantees relate to guarantees rendered on loans made to national governments and loans to commercial entities which are administered by EDC through the Canada Account.

Loan guarantees by the department at March 31, 2008 amount to $467,964,715 ($532,352,766 at March 31, 2007), for which an allowance of $33,504,028 ($72,420,309 at March 31, 2007) has been recorded. These loan guarantees are subject to payment in the event of the default of the debtor. An allowance for valuation is used to reduce the carrying value of the loans to amounts that approximate their net realizable value. The allowance is determined based on the Government's identification and evaluation of countries that have formally applied for debt relief, estimated probable losses that exist on the remaining portfolio, and changes in the economic conditions of sovereign and non-sovereign debtors.

14. Contractual Obligations

The nature of the department's activities can result in some large multi-year contracts and obligations whereby the department will be obligated to make future payments when the services/goods are received. These obligations include long-term rental agreements for chancery offices, transfer payments, and loan commitments under the Canada Accounts. Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014 and there-after	Total
Lease of office space in Gatineau, Que	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	9,000	19,000
Lease of office and parking space in Moscow	3,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	164,000	195,000
Chancery lease Consul General in New York	3,000	3,000	3,000	3,000	1,000	-	13,000
Chancery lease in Chicago	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000	5,000	10,000
Chancery lease PRMNY, New York	1,000	1,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	9,000	17,000
Undisbursed Canada Account loan commitments	2,000	-	-	-	-	-	2,000
Obligation resulting from loan restructuring	2,400	2,400	1,200	500	-	-	6,500
Transfer payments to the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development	5,000	5,000	5,000	4,000	-	-	19,000
Total	19,400	21,400	21,200	19,500	13,000	187,000	281,500

15. Related Party Transactions

The department is related as a result of common ownership to all Government of Canada departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. The department enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms. Also, during the year, the department received services which were obtained without charge from other Government departments as presented in part (a).

(a) Services provided without charge by other government departments:

During the year, the department received services without charge from other departments (accommodation, legal fees and the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans). These services without charge have been recognized in the department's Statement of Operations as follows:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Accommodation		28,700		28,100
  Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans		47,500		50,400
  Legal services		1,500		2,600
  Workers compensation charges		300		300
  Total		78,000		81,400

  
  

(b) Payables and receivables outstanding at year end with related parties:

• 
  

  		2008		2007
  		(in thousands of dollars)
  Receivables from other government departments and agencies		32,271		50,912
  Payables to other government departments and agencies		43,477		21,021

  
  

(c) Administration of programs on behalf of other government departments:

The department has a number of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with partner departments for the administration of unique, in-year programs delivered abroad. These expenses are reflected in the financial statements of our partner departments and not those of DFAIT. The department administered approximately $261,000,000 ($282,000,000 in 2006-2007) for operational and program activities on behalf of partner departments. DFAIT also collected approximately $276,000,000 ($310,000,000 in 2006-2007) in revenues on behalf of our partner departments. These revenues were remitted to the partner departments and are reflected in the financial statements of our partners departments and not those of DFAIT.

(d) Management and administration of Common Services:

In accordance with the Treasury Board Common Service Policy (February 1997), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act, DFAIT has the mandate to manage the procurement of goods, services and real property at missions abroad. These common services are mandatory for departments to use when required to support Canada's diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

MOUs are in force between DFAIT and other federal government departments, and between DFAIT and co-locators (Crown corporations, non-federal organizations, and may include other federal government departments) to cover the roles and responsibilities of all parties at missions. These MOUs outline the principles and operational guidelines for the management and administration of the common services regime, specifications with respect to services and service delivery standards, the funding of common services, the responsibilities of parties, and dispute resolution.

• i. Common services provided to other federal government departments
  In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, expenses related to changes made to partner departments’ representation abroad are reflected in the financial statements of the department. Appropriations for the department are adjusted via the Annual Reference Level Updates (ARLU) and the fiscal year’s supplementary estimates.

  This activity amounted to approximately $20,552,000 ($22,800,000 in 2006-2007) of in-year funding received via Supplementary Estimates and $17,776,000 ($8,942,000 in 2006-2007) of permanent funding handled through the ARLU.

• ii. Common services provided to co-locators
  In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, this activity amounted to approximately $7,920,000 ($7,238,000 in 2006-2007) of in-year funds.

16. Comparative Information

Comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

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