Summary of the Evaluation of the Humanitarian Workforce Program
Building a safe and resilient Canada
About the program
The Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) program, launched in June 2021 and currently set to end in March 2026, aims to build a scalable civilian workforce that can be rapidly deployed in response to large-scale emergencies.
What we examined
The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the relevance, effectivess, and efficiency of the HWF program. The evaluation covered the period from program inception in June 2021 to fiscal year 2024-2025 and includes some data on Stream 2 projects between April 2025 and August 2025. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Results.
Evaluation findings
- Given the increasing frequency, severity and complexity of natural disasters due to climate change, as well as their impact throughout Canada, there is a need for the HWF program.
- There are complementary programs in Public Safety Canada (PS), other government departments and provinces that provide support during large-scale emergencies.
- The Stream 1 (Capacity-Building) projects have allowed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to build standing capacity that can be used to respond to emergencies.
- Through HWF funding, NGOs have been deployed and have supported the response to some large-scale emergencies.
- Canada is not as advanced as some of its allies with regard to a permanent national civilian response capacity for large-scale emergencies.
- Canada could benefit from a deeper understanding of available human and material resources.
- Key informants report mixed levels of awareness among partners and stakeholders and limited understanding of how to access and use the program among provinces and territories.
- The needs of marginalized populations have been considered throughout the design and implementation of the HWF program, however it is difficult to measure outcomes.
- The current levels of funding for the program are appropriate and changes to governance have increased efficiency.
- Administrative delays impacted the deployment of staff and volunteers during emergency response. The funding mechanism for deployments should be reviewed.
Recommendations
- Map the capacity funded under the HWF program, by building on the existing PS assessments, to identify any ongoing gaps that exist to effectively address the evolving risk landscape and to inform future programming decisions.
- Propose options to strengthen the availability and deployment of non-military capabilities for domestic emergencies, with consideration given to the federal government's overall role and responsibilities for emergency management.
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