Future-oriented Statements 2022-2023

Copyright Board of Canada (116)

Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
For the year ended March 31

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations

Copyright Board of Canada
Notes to the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
At March 31

1. Authority and Objectives

The Copyright Board of Canada is an regulatory body and independent administrative tribunal empowered to establish the tariffs which set the royalties to be paid for the use of copyrighted works, when the copyright in such works is administered collectively by a society. The Board also issues licences which set the royalties to be paid for the use of copyrighted works when the copyright owner cannot be located. By issuing fair and equitable tariffs and licences, the Board ensures that rights owners are remunerated in a timely manner, while supporting prosperity and innovation in the Canadian economy.

The Copyright Board of Canada reports annually to Parliament through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

2. Methodology and Significant Assumptions

The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared on the basis of the government priorities and departmental plans as described in the Departmental Plan.

The information in the forecast results for fiscal year 2021–22 is based on actual results as at December 31, 2021 and on forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year. Forecasts have been made for the planned results for fiscal year 2022–23.

The main assumptions are as follows:

• The Copyright Board of Canada’s activities will remain substantially the same as for the previous year.
• Expenses, including the determination of amounts internal and external to the government, are based on historical experience. The general historical pattern is expected to continue.
• Estimated year-end information for 2021–22 is used as the opening position for 2022–23 planned results.

These assumptions are made as at December 31, 2021.

3. Variations and Changes to the Forecast Financial Information

Although every attempt has been made to forecast final results for the remainder of 2021–22 and for 2022–23, actual results achieved for both years are likely to differ from the forecast information presented, and this variation could be material due to the pandemic situation (COVID-19).

In preparing the Future-Oriented Statements of Operations, the Copyright Board of Canada has made estimates and assumptions about the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and assumptions are based on past experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are continually evaluated.

Factors that could lead to material differences between the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and the historical statement of operations include:

1. The timing and the amount of acquisitions and disposals of property, plant and equipment, which may affect gains, losses and amortization expense.
2. The implementation of new collective agreements.
3. Other changes to the operating budget, such as new initiatives or technical adjustments later in the year.

After the Departmental Plan is tabled in Parliament, the Copyright Board of Canada will not be updating the forecasts for any changes in financial resources made in ensuing supplementary estimates. Variances will be explained in the Departmental Results Report.

4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared using the Government of Canada’s accounting policies in effect for fiscal year 2021–22, and is based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. These accounting policies, stated below, 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:

1. Expenses 
   Expenses are generally recorded when goods are received or services are rendered and include expenses related to personnel, professional and special services, repair and maintenance, utilities, materials and supplies, as well as amortization of tangible capital assets. Provisions to reflect changes in the value of assets or liabilities are also included in the expenses.

5. Parliamentary Authorities

The Copyright Board of Canada is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the Copyright Board of Canada differs from financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles because authorities are based mainly on cash flow requirements. Items recognized in the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the Copyright Board of Canada has different net cost 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 requested authorities

b) Authorities provided/requested