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ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY
Statement of Management Responsibility, Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023, and all information contained in these financial statements rests with the management of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. These financial statements have been prepared by management using the Government of Canada's accounting policies, which are based on Canadian public-sector accounting standards.

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 Agency’s financial transactions. Financial information submitted in the preparation of the Public Accounts of Canada, and included in the Agency’s Departmental Results Report, is consistent with these financial statements.

Management is also responsible for maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded, and that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in accordance with the Financial Administration Act and other applicable legislation, regulations, authorities and policies.

Management seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements through careful selection, training and development of qualified staff; through organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility; through communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards and managerial authorities are understood throughout the Agency;and by conducting an annual risk-based assessment of the effectiveness of the system of ICFR.

The system of ICFR is designed to mitigate risks to a reasonable level based on an ongoing process to identify key risks, to assess the effectiveness of associated key controls, and to make any necessary adjustments.

The Agency is subject to periodic Core Control Audits performed by the Office of the Comptroller General of Canada (OCG) and will use the results of such audits to comply with the Treasury Board Policy on Financial Management. In the interim, the Agency has undertaken a risk-based assessment of the system of ICFR for the year ended March 31, 2023, in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Financial Management, and the results and action plan are summarized in the annex.

These financial statements of the Agency have not been audited.

Approved by Senior Officials
Approved by:

Catherine Blewett
Deputy Head
Moncton, Canada
Date:

Stéphane Lagacé, CPA-CMA
Chief Financial Officer
Moncton, Canada
Date:

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Annex to the Statement of Management Responsibility, Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

1. Introduction

In support of an effective system of internal control, the Agency conducted self-assessments of key control areas that were identified to be assessed in the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year. A summary of the assessment results and action plan is provided in subsection 2.

The Agency will assess all key control areas over a 5-year period. The assessment plan is provided in subsection 3.

2. Assessment results for the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year

The Agency completed the assessment of key control areas as indicated in the following table. A summary of the results, action plans, and additional details are also provided.

Key control areas Remediation required Summary results and action plan
Delegation No Internal controls are functioning as intended, no action plan required.
Transfer payments Yes Issues requiring training were identified. Remedial actions addressed.

With respect to the key control areas of the delegation of spending and financial authorities, for the most part, controls related to spending and financial authorities were functioning well and form an adequate basis for the department’s system of internal control. Some issues to the required training were identified and addressed during the fiscal year.

3. Assessment plan

The Agency will assess the performance of its system of internal control by focusing on key control areas over a cycle of years as shown in the following table.

Assessment plan
Key control areas 2022 to 2023 fiscal year 2023 to 2024 fiscal year 2024 to 2025 fiscal year 2025 to 2026 fiscal year 2026 to 2027 fiscal year
Delegation X
Transfer Payments X
Contracting X
Year-end Payables X
Receivables X
Pay Administration X
Travel X
Financial Management Governance X
Hospitality X
Fleet Management X
Accountable Advances X
Acquisition cards X
Leave X
Special Financial Authorities X

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
As at March 31 (in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Liabilities    
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 4) 63,333 66,577
     Vacation pay and compensatory leave 4,227 4,705
     Other liabilities (Note 5) 1,116 1,315
     Employee future benefits (Note 6) 1,480 1,721
     Total gross liabilities 70,156 74,318
   
Liabilities held on behalf of Government    
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 4) (9,123) (7,743)
Total liabilities held on behalf of Government (9,123) (7,743)
   
Total net liabilities 61,033 66,575
   
Financial assets    
     Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund 53,658 58,472
     Accounts receivable and advances (Note 7) 1,348 1,193
     Loans receivable (Note 8) 467,086 459,379
     Investments (Note 9) 3,470 3,483
Total gross financial assets 525,562 522,527
     
Financial assets held on behalf of Government    
     Accounts receivable and advances (Note 7) (660) (645)
     Loans receivable (Note 8) (467,086) (459,379)
     Investments (Note 9) (3,470) (3,483)
Total financial assets held on behalf of Government (471,216) (463,507)
   
Total net financial assets 54,346 59,020
   
Agency net debt 6,687 7,555
   
Non-financial assets    
     Tangible capital assets (Note 10) 5,492 4,244
Total non-financial assets 5,492 4,244
   
Agency net financial position (1,195) (3,311)

For information on contractual obligations, see note 11.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Approved by Senior Officials
Approved by:

Catherine Blewett
Deputy Head
Moncton, Canada
Date:

Stéphane Lagacé, CPA-CMA
Chief Financial Officer
Moncton, Canada
Date:

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)

  2023 Planned Results 2023 Actual 2022 Actual
Expenses      
     Economic Development 338,089 330,403 330,874
     Internal Services 30,504 33,217 31,974
     Expenses incurred on behalf of Government (Discount and Allowance for doubtful accounts) (16,608) (50,857) (33,851)
Total expenses 351,985 312,763 328,997
     
Revenues      
     Revenue from amortization of discount on assistance loans 11,031 16,425 9,051
     Interest on overdue loans 431 339 146
     Dividend on investments 0 0 5
     Gain on disposal of tangible capital and non-capital assets 20 49 26
     Miscellaneous revenues 12 3 2
     Gains on foreign exchange revaluations at year-end 0 1 0
     Revenues earned on behalf of government (11,474) (16,768) (9,204)
Total revenues 20 49 26
Net Cost of operations 351,965 312,714 328,971
     
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers 351,965 312,714 328,971
Government funding and transfers      
     Net cash provided by Government   309,985 303,349
     Change in due from Consolidated Revenue Fund   (4,814) 18,195
     Services provided without charge by OGDs (Note 12)   9,629 9,555
     Other transfers of assets and liabilities (to)/ from OGDs   30 57
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers   (2,116) (2,185)
Departmental net financial position - Beginning of year   (3,311) (5,496)
Departmental net financial position - End of year   (1,195) (3,311)

For an explanation of segmented information, see note 13.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers (2,116) (2,185)
Change due to tangible capital assets
     Acquisition of tangible capital assets 1,423 1,420
     Amortization of tangible capital assets (175) (176)
     Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets (49) (26)
     Net (loss) or gain on disposal of tangible capital  assets, including adjustments 49 (47)
     Transfer of assets from another government department 0 13
Total change due to tangible capital assets 1,248 1,184
     
Increase (decrease) in departmental net debt (868) (1,001)
 
Departmental net debt – Beginning of year 7,555 8,556
 
Departmental net debt – End of year 6,687 7,555

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Operating activities
     Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers 312,714 328,971
     Non-cash items :
          Amortization of tangible capital assets (175) (176)
          Gain on disposal and write-down of tangible capital assets 49 (47)
          Other transfers of assets and liabilities (to)/ from OGDs (30) (57)
          Services provided without charge by OGDs (note 12) (9,629) (9,555)
     Variations in Statement of Financial Position :
          Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable and advances 141 392
          Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,623 (18,512)
          Decrease (increase) in vacation pay and compensatory leave 478 529
          Decrease (increase) in other liabilities 199 49
          Decrease (increase) in employee future benefits 241 348
     Cash used by operating activities 308,611 301,942
     Capital investing activities
          Acquisition of tangible capital assets (note 10) 1,423 1,420
          Transfer of assets from another government department 0 13
          Proceeds from  disposal of tangible capital assets (49) (26)
     Cash used in capital investing activities 1,374 1,407
     Net cash provided by Government of Canada 309,985 303,349

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31

1. Authority and Objectives

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) operates under the authority of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 41, 4th Supp.

The Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of the region.

ACOA invests in the innovation and growth of Atlantic Canadian businesses to:

ACOA supports business investments in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada through:

ACOA invests in the economic diversification of communities to:

ACOA embraces its culture of innovation, collaboration and engagement. The Agency constantly strives to ensure it works effectively with stakeholders, whether from within the federal government, from other levels of government, or community counterparts.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

These financial statements have been prepared using the Government’s accounting policies, stated below, which are based on Canadian public-sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public-sector accounting standards.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

(a) Parliamentary authorities – The Agency is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the Agency do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since authorities are primarily based on cash-flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through authorities from Parliament. Note 3 provides a reconciliation between the bases of reporting. The planned results in the Statement of Operations are the amounts reported in the future-oriented financial statements included in the 2021-2022 Departmental Plan.

(b) Net cash provided by Government – The Agency operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the Agency is deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by the Agency 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 Government.

(c) Amounts due from the CRF – These amounts are the result of timing differences at year-end between when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that the Agency is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.

(d) Revenues – Revenues are accounted for in the period in which the underlying transaction or event occurred that gave rise to the revenues, except for interest income on overdue loans, which is only recognized when received due to the uncertainty as to its ultimate collection.

The majority of the revenues results from the recognition of the amortization of discount on assistance loans.

With the exception of gain on disposal of tangible capital assets, revenues are earned on behalf of Government and are not available to discharge the Agency’s liabilities. While the Deputy Head (DH) is expected to maintain accounting control, she has no authority regarding the disposition of these revenues. Therefore, they are presented in reduction of the entity’s gross revenues.

(e) Expenses – Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis:

Transfer payments such as grants, conditionally repayable contributions and non-repayable contributions are recorded as expenses when authorization for the payment is approved as a legitimate expense under the applicable transfer payment program. Transfer payments that become repayable as a result of conditions specified in the contribution agreement are recorded as a reduction in transfer payment expense and are reclassified as a receivable.

Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.

Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodations, employer contributions to the health and dental insurance plans, legal services and workers’ compensation are recorded as operating expenses at their estimated cost.

Expenses related to the loan and accounts receivable portfolio are expenses incurred on behalf of the Government. While the DH is expected to maintain accounting control over loans and accounts receivable, she has no authority regarding their disposition; therefore, related expenses are presented in reduction of the entity’s gross expenses.

(f) Employee future benefits

i) Pension benefits – Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi-employer plan administered by the Government of Canada. The Agency’s contributions to the plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total Agency obligation to the plan. The Agency’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.

(ii) Severance benefits – The accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures ceased for applicable employee groups. The remaining obligation for employees who did not withdraw benefits is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.

(g) Accounts and loans receivable – These are stated at the lower of cost and net recoverable value. A valuation allowance is recorded for accounts and loans receivable where recovery is considered appropriate and uncertain.

(i) Unconditionally repayable contributions – Transfer payments that are unconditionally repayable are recognized as loans receivable. These contributions must be repaid without condition, and the loans have significant concessionary terms as they include a no-interest clause. Furthermore, they have various repayment terms. The modified effective rate method is used to discount the loans receivable.

(ii) Conditionally repayable contributions – Transfer payments that are conditionally repayable are reclassified as accounts receivable when conditions specified in the contribution agreement come into effect or in the event of default.

(h) Allowance for impaired loans and accounts receivable – Loans and accounts receivable are classified as impaired when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the full amount of principal and, where applicable, interest. A specific allowance is established to reduce the recorded value of the loan to its estimated net realizable value. The long-term impact of COVID-19 has been considered in the valuation of allowances against outstanding loans.

(i) Contingent liabilities – Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities that 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.

(j) Tangible capital assets – All tangible capital assets having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. The Agency does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, aesthetic or historical value, assets located on Indigenous communities, and museum collections.

Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Asset Class Amortization Period
Vehicles 5 years
Computer equipment 3 years
In-house-developed software 5 years
Other equipment 5 years
Machinery and equipment 15 years

(k) Measurement uncertainty – The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes as at March 31. The estimates are based on facts and circumstances, historical experience and general economic conditions, and reflect the Government’s best estimate of the related amount at the end of the reporting period. The most significant items for which estimates are used are the allowance for doubtful accounts, the unamortized discount on assistance loans, 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.

(l) Subsequent events – The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resulted in an economic slowdown. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is unknown at this time. As a result, it is not possible to reliably estimate the length and severity of its impact on the Agency’s financial position and financial results in future periods.

3. Parliamentary Authorities

The Agency receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary authorities. Items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Financial Position in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the Agency 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 authorities used

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Net Cost of Operations before Government funding and transfers 312,714 328,971
Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities:
          Amortization of tangible capital assets (175) (176)
          Gain (loss) on disposal of tangible capital assets 49 (47)
          Receivable for disposal of Crown assets - -
          Services provided without charge by OGDs (9,630) (9,555)
          Decrease (increase) in vacation pay and compensatory leave 478 529
          Decrease (increase) in employee future benefits 241 348
          Refund of prior years' expenditures 254 191
          Conditions met on contributions 17,694 17,587
          Adjustments to prior years' accrual 247 1,180
          Correction to assistance type from repayable contribution to non-repayable 1,695 514
          Outstanding recovery of operating expenses (53) 125
          Adjustments to investment account  -   -
     Total of items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities 10,800 10,696
     Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities:
          Acquisition of tangible capital assets 1,422 1,420
          Assistance loans issued on behalf of Government 108,186 102,399
          Salary Overpayments 4 4
     Total items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities 109,612 103,823
     Current year authorities used 433,126 443,490

(b) Authorities provided and used

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Authorities provided:  
     Vote 1 - Operating expenditures 75,208 76,419
     Vote 5 - Grants and contributions 382,261 373,936
     Statutory amounts 9,341 8,881
Less:
     Total lapsed (33,635) (15,720)
     Authorities available for future years (49) (26)
Current year appropriations used 433,126 443,490

4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

The following table presents details of the Agency’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Accounts payable - Other payables to OGDs 387 1,259
Regular accounts payable   20,621 23,586
Accrued salaries and wages 4,154 3,869
Contractor's holdback 1,435 1,582
Subtotal 26,597 30,296
Accrued liabilities 36,737 36,281
Gross accounts payable and accrued liabilities 63,334 66,577
Accrued liabilities held on behalf of the Government (9,123) (7,743)
Net accounts payable and accrued liabilities 54,211 58,834

Accrued liabilities associated with the loans receivable are considered accrued liabilities held on behalf of the Government. While the DH is expected to maintain accounting control over loans receivable, she has no authority regarding their disposition; therefore, liabilities related to the loans receivable are presented in reduction of the entity’s gross accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

5. Other Liabilities

The Agency enters into agreements with provincial governments to fund various transfer payment projects. The Agency records deposits from these provincial governments for their share of costs under various projects. Monies are distributed on behalf of contributors as projects are undertaken. Unused funds are returned to the provincial governments. Activity during the year is as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Opening liability 1,315 1,364
Deposits 2,000 2,365
Payments (2,199) (2,414)
Closing liability 1,116 1,315

6. Employee Future Benefits

(a) Pension benefits – The Agency’s employees 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/Quebec Pension Plan benefits and are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and the Agency contribute to the cost of the plan. Due to the amendment of the Public Service Superannuation Act following the implementation of provisions related to Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012, employee contributors have been divided into two groups – Group 1 consists of existing plan members as of December 31, 2012, and Group 2 consists of members who joined the plan as of January 1, 2013. Each group has a distinct contribution rate.

The 2022-2023 expense amounts to $6,052,330 ($5,971,465 in 2021-2022). For Group 1 members, the expense represents approximately 1.02 times (0.01 more than 2021-2022) the employee contributions and, for Group 2 members, approximately 1.00 times (same as in 2021-2022) the employee contributions.

The Agency’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.

(b) Severance benefits – The Agency provides severance benefits to its employees based on eligibility, years of service and salary at termination of employment. These severance benefits are not prefunded. Benefits will be paid from future authorities. Information about the severance benefits, measured as at March 31, is as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Accrued benefit obligation - Beginning of year 1,721 2,069
Expenses for the year 130 305
Benefits paid during the year (371) (653)
Accrued benefit obligation - End of year 1,480 1,721

7. Accounts Receivable and Advances

The following table presents details of the Agency’s accounts receivable and advances balances.

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Receivables from contributions
     Conditionally repayable conditions met 1,234 1,065
     Defaulted conditionally repayable contributions 8,970 8,543
     Defaulted non-repayable contributions 2,859 692
     Overpayments to be recovered 102 124
Receivables from OGDs and agencies 695 543
Receivables from external parties 254 402
Salary overpayment and employee advances (6) 5
Subtotal 14,108 11,374
Allowance for doubtful accounts on receivables from external parties (12,760) (10,181)
Gross accounts receivable 1,348 1,193
Accounts receivable held on behalf of Government (659) (645)
Net accounts receivable (receivable OGD, salary overpayment & emp advances) 689 548

Conditionally repayable contributions – These contributions relate to ones made to outside parties, all or part of which become repayable if conditions specified in the contribution agreement come into effect. In 2022-2023, an allowance of $9,988,789 ($9,505,010 in 2021-2022) relating to these loans was recorded.

In 2022-2023, collections on conditionally repayable contributions amounted to $11,381,025 ($17,113,051 in 2021-2022).

In 2022-2023, the Agency’s writeoffs were $3,817,263 ($2,024,835 in 2021-2022) for accounts (including defaulted non-repayable contributions) deemed uncollectible and where all possible avenues of collection had been exhausted. The writeoff of a Crown debt is a bookkeeping action only and does not eliminate the obligation of a debtor to make payment, nor does it affect the right of the Crown to enforce collections. Payments received on accounts receivable that were written off were $0 for fiscal year 2022-2023 ($2,771 in 2021-2022).

Accounts receivable are considered financial assets held on behalf of the Government and are not available to discharge the department’s liabilities. While the DH is expected to maintain accounting control, she has no authority regarding the disposition of repayments received. Therefore, accounts receivable and advances are presented as a reduction to the entity’s gross accounts receivable.

8. Loans Receivable

The following table presents details of the Agency’s loans balances.

(in thousands of dollars)

 

2023 2022
Loans receivable 644,695 615,017
     Less: Unamortized discount on assistance loans (68,673) (51,859)
Subtotal 576,022 563,158
     Less: Allowance for uncollectibility (108,936) (103,779)
Gross loans receivable 467,086 459,379
Loans receivable held on behalf of Government (467,086) (459,379)
Net loans receivable  -  -

These loans relate to unconditionally repayable contributions made to outside parties that must be repaid without qualification. An allowance of $108,936,342 ($103,779,093 in 2021-2022) relating to these loans was recorded.

The loans receivable portfolio consists of approximately 2,700 non-interest-bearing unconditionally repayable contributions issued, for the most part, from 2012 to 2022 with prescribed annual repayment terms. The loans are recorded at their discounted net present value using market interest rates at the time of the loans.

In 2022-2023, collections on unconditionally repayable contributions amounted to $74,132,280 ($71,315,619 in 2021-2022). The Agency’s writeoffs were $6,063,729 ($7,517,172 in 2021-2022) for accounts deemed uncollectible and where all possible avenues of collection had been exhausted. The writeoff of a Crown debt is a bookkeeping action only and does not eliminate the obligation of a debtor to make payment, nor does it affect the right of the Crown to enforce collections. Payments received on loans receivable that were written off were $3,212 in 2022-2023 ($5,958 in 2021-2022).

Loans receivable are considered a financial asset held on behalf of the Government and are not available to discharge the department’s liabilities. While the DH is expected to maintain accounting control, she has no authority regarding the disposition of repayments received. Therefore, loans receivable are presented as a reduction to the entity’s gross loans receivable.

9. Investments

The following table presents details of the Agency’s investment balances.

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Preferred shares 6,803 6,805
Redemption of Preferred Shares (14) (3)
  6,789 6,802
     Less: Allowance for write-down (3,319) (3,319)
Gross Investments 3,470 3,483
Investment held on behalf of Government (3,470) (3,483)
Net Investment  -  -

In order to help fulfill its mandate to promote economic development in the Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia, the former Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) had taken equity interests in several companies in an effort to help firms to expand or innovate.

10. Tangible Capital Assets

(in thousands of dollars)

Vehicles Computer equipment In-house-developed software Machinery and equipment Other equipment Total
Cost  
Opening balance 980 107 6,181 143 - 7,411
Acquisitions 104 - 1,319 - - 1,423
Transfer of asset from another government department - - - - - -
Disposals and write-offs (152) - - - - (152)
Closing balance 932 107 7,500 143 - 8,682
Accumulated amortization
Opening balance 691 52 2,355 69 - 3,167
Amortization 112 34 20 9 - 175
Transfer of asset from another government department - - - - - -
Disposals and write-offs (152) - - - - (152)
Closing balance 651 86 2,375 78 - 3,190
2023 Net book value 281 21 5,125 65 - 5,492
2022 Net book value 289 55 3,826 74 - 4,244

11. Contractual obligations

The nature of the Agency’s activities results in multi-year contracts whereby the Agency is obligated to make future payments in order to carry out its transfer payment programs or when the services/goods are received. Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

  2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Transfer payments 267,344 57,313 15,132 1,439 341,228
Operations and maintenance 6,946 1,275 819 236 9,276
Total 274,290 58,588 15,951 1,675 350,504

12.  Related-party transactions

The Agency is related as a result of common ownership to all government departments, agencies and Crown corporations. The Agency enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms. During the year, the Agency received common services, which were obtained without charge, from other government departments, as disclosed below.

(a) Common services provided without charge by other government departments

During the year, the Agency received services without charge from certain common service organizations related to accommodations, legal services, the employer’s contribution to the health and dental insurance plans, and workers’ compensation coverage. These services, provided without charge, have been recorded in the Agency’s Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

  2023 2022
Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans 5,383 5,465
Accommodations (Public Services and Procurement Canada) 4,052 3,897
Legal Services (Department of Justice) 195 193
Total 9,630 9,555
     

The Government has centralized some of its administrative activities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness purposes and economic delivery of programs to the public. As a result, the Government uses central agencies and common-service organizations so that one department performs services for all departments and agencies without charge. The costs of these services, such as the payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada and audit services provided by the Office of the Auditor General, are not included as an expense in the Agency’s Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.

13.  Segmented Information

Presentation by segment is based on the Agency’s departmental results framework and on the same accounting policies as described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The following table presents the expenses incurred and revenues generated for the main programs, by major object of expense and by major type of revenue. The segmented results for the period are as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

  Economic Development Internal Services 2023 Total 2022 Total
Transfer Payments  
Conditionally repayable
Industry 7,169 - 7,169 10,632
Conditions met (17,694) - (17,694) (17,586)
Total conditionally repayable (10,525) - (10,525) (6,954)
Non-repayable        
     Industry 34,755 - 34,755 20,695
     Non-profit organizations 178,187 - 178,187 218,139
     Other levels of government 22,266 - 22,266 12,081
     Individuals 824 - 824 17
Total non-repayable 236,032 - 236,032 250,932
Adjustments to prior year's accruals on transfer payments (1,942) - (1,942) (1,694)
Loan discount portion on assistance loans 33,239 - 33,239 24,004
Provision for impaired loans and accounts receivable 17,618 - 17,618 9,847
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government (50,857) - (50,857) (33,851)
Total transfer payments 223,565 - 223,565 242,284
         
Operating expenses        
Personnel 50,253 25,307 75,560 74,019
Professional services 1,413 2,176 3,589 3,621
Transportation and telecommunications 967 617 1,584 234
Accommodations 2,694 1,357 4,051 3,897
Rental 151 1,793 1,944 1,807
Equipment (less than $10,000 per item) 4 676 680 1,212
Information 314 302 616 630
Utilities, material, supplies 152 97 249 164
Purchased repair and maintenance 1 108 109 124
Amortization of tangible capital assets - 175 175 176
Miscellaneous expenses 32 609 641 829
Total operating expenses 55,981 33,217 89,198 86,713
Total expenses 279,546 33,217 312,763 328,997
Revenues        
Revenue from amortization of discount on assistance loans 16,425 - 16,425 9,051
Interest on overdue loans 339 - 339 146
Dividend on investments  - - - 5
Gain on disposal of tangible capital and non-capital assets - 49 49 26
Miscellaneous revenues 3 - 3 2
Gains on foreign exchange revaluations at year-end 1 - 1 -
Revenues earned on behalf of government (16,768) - (16,768) (9,204)
Total revenues - 49 49 26
Net cost from continuing operations 279,546 33,168 312,714 328,971