For the first time, two delegations from the Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM), representing Tunisia and Morocco, took part in a joint technical visit to Canada. Held in Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal, the visit provided a space for direct exchange between the three countries on approaches to gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) and climate-responsive budgeting (CRB).
This visit was carried out as part of two distinct TAP-EDM initiatives, both supported by Canadian public management expert Michel Filion:
In Morocco, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Centre of Excellence on Gender-Responsive Budgeting (CE-GRB), under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It aims to strengthen the Centre’s capacity to support ministries in conducting public policy analysis and tracking spending related to gender equality. [More information]
In Tunisia, the initiative supports the Ministry of Finance through the Central Unit for Performance-Based Budgeting (UGBO). Its objective is to progressively integrate gender and environmental considerations into public budgeting, in collaboration with various line ministries. [More information]
Meetings and Learning Opportunities in Canada
The Moroccan and Tunisian delegations met with a wide range of government and institutional stakeholders at all levels—federal ministries, provincial bodies, municipalities, and civil society organizations. See full list below.
Throughout the visit, representatives from both delegations had the opportunity to compare practices, ask concrete questions, and explore tools that could be adapted to their local contexts. They especially appreciated the diversity of Canadian approaches across different levels of government, as well as the flexibility with which gender and climate considerations are integrated into public policies.
The visit also allowed participants to explore a variety of practical tools—templates, guidelines, and analytical platforms—that could inspire new initiatives in Morocco and Tunisia. Many of the discussions highlighted the incremental approach adopted in Canada: starting small, testing, adjusting, and scaling up. Another key learning point centered on the intersection of gender-responsive and climate-responsive budgeting. Canada offered a concrete example of cross-cutting integration of gender and climate considerations—an approach that particularly resonated with the Tunisian delegation. Morocco also took note. The example demonstrated how both dimensions can be addressed in a complementary way, using structured tools adapted to different policy contexts.
“What struck me most was how gender, performance, and climate are all integrated into public policy. It confirms the importance of a gradual approach, rooted in experimentation and adaptation. That direction really aligns with what we’re currently doing in Tunisia.”
— Ms. Karima Ghoul, Deputy Director, Central Unit for Performance-Based Budgeting (UGBO), Tunisian Ministry of Finance
One of the most notable aspects of the visit was the introduction to Canada’s Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) approach. By taking into account factors such as gender, age, and background, GBA Plus helps tailor public policies to real-life contexts. The fact that the approach is applied differently across Canada’s provinces and territories was seen as a strength, allowing for better alignment with local priorities.
“This visit gave us the chance to compare our work to international practices—especially Canada’s. We’re leaving with a concrete toolbox to help us strengthen our gender-responsive budgeting efforts. The documents and tools we discovered here will help us adapt and strengthen our practices back in Morocco.”
— Mr. Oussama Gidar, Head of Partnerships, Centre of Excellence for Gender-Responsive Budgeting (CE-GRB), Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance
The delegations shared their experiences, asked thoughtful and practical questions, and deepened their reflections through the many exchanges organized during the visit. Canadian expert Michel Filion accompanied the group throughout the program, with support from Sarah Schattmann, TAP-EDM Project Manager, and Christopher Yeomans, TAP-EDM Project Director.
“This visit gave both delegations access to a style of governance that is fluid, collaborative, and grounded in what already exists—where decision-makers are constantly seeking to improve.”
— Michel Filion, Canadian Expert
Members of the Tunisian and Moroccan Delegations
Tunisia
- Ms. Amel Lahmari Fekih – Director General and Head of the Central Unit for Performance-Based Budgeting (UGBO), Ministry of Finance
- Mr. Elassad EL Khalil – Director General of Expenditure Synthesis and Analysis, Ministry of Finance
- Ms. Rihab Ouerghemmi – Director, Central Unit for Performance-Based Budgeting (UGBO), Ministry of Finance
- Ms. Karima Ghoul – Deputy Director, Central Unit for Performance-Based Budgeting (UGBO), Ministry of Finance
Morocco
- Mr. Oussama Gidar – Head of Partnerships, Centre of Excellence for Gender-Responsive Budgeting (CE-GRB), Ministry of Economy and Finance
- Ms. Hanane Larroumy – Head of GRB Deployment, CE-GRB, Ministry of Economy and Finance
- Ms. Zineb Bouba – Head of Gender Report, CE-GRB, Ministry of Economy and Finance
- Mr. Abdelouadoud Qarouach – Knowledge Management Officer, CE-GRB, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Canadian Institutions and Organizations Met During the Visit
- Environment and Climate Change Canada | Ottawa
- Department of Finance Canada | Ottawa
- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | Ottawa
- Women and Gender Equality Canada | Ottawa
- Statistics Canada | Ottawa
- City of Montreal – Office of Ecological Transition and Resilience | Montreal
- Quebec Ministry of Finance | Quebec City
- Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) | Quebec City
- Institut de la Francophonie for Sustainable Development (IFDD) | Quebec City
- Women’s Equality New Brunswick | Online – New Brunswick