Its mandate is to support sustainable development in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous world. The CFLI, also known as the Canada Fund, provides the High Commission with the ability to respond to local requests for funds to finance small-scale projects that have an impact on the economic, technical, educational and social development of the people and communities of Trinidad and Tobago. Projects eligible for funding under CFLI must be within the general categories of employment creation, education, training, technical assistance and social development. The CFLI program treats the integration of women in society as both an economic imperative and a social equity goal.
Projects generally focus on youth, job creation, the environment and health.
They are intended to assist the development of human resources through skills training and education. Its goal is to increase opportunities for women in Trinidad and Tobago to participate fully and equitably in the sustainable development of their society. It does this by supporting the improvement of equitable relations between men and women. Means of achieving this include strengthening organizations involved in promoting women in development and gender equity and helping women enhance their capacity to address gender issues in key economic, social and political sectors. The Gender Fund also assists initiatives that support advocacy for policy and legislative reform related to gender equity priorities.