ARCHIVED - 2008-2009 DPRs - Response to Parliamentary Committees and External Audits

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts conducted a review of Chapter 5 ("Keeping the Border Open and Secure") of the 2007 October Report of the Auditor General of Canada. The Committee tabled its report on February 25, 2009, and made four recommendations:

1. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) should provide a status report on the implementation of the audit recommendations by December 31, 2008.

2. The CBSA should include its risk management strategies in its 2008–09 Departmental Performance Report.

3. The CBSA should include the status of its training models in its 2008–09 Departmental Performance Report.

4. The CBSA should review the fees process to ensure no additional charges are levied for random inspections.

The CBSA's response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts report will be tabled in 2009–10.

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada conducted an audit of the CBSA's management of the detentions and removals programs.

Chapter 7 ("Detention and Removal of Individuals") of the 2008 May Report of the Auditor General of Canada examines the management of detentions and removals by the CBSA and the actions taken since the 2003 audit of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's control and enforcement program. The specific audit objectives were the following:

1. To determine whether there is a clear articulation of accountability between Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the CBSA to support the consistent administration of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and the adequacy of performance reporting for the detention and removal of individuals.

2. To determine whether the Agency consistently manages the detention of individuals in compliance with its policies and standards, and with due regard to economy.

3. To determine whether the CBSA manages the removal of individuals on the basis of risk and in a cost-effective manner.

The audit was tabled in May 2008 and it made three recommendations. The Agency's response is included in the audit report.

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada also conducted an audit on national security. Chapter 1, "National Security: Intelligence and Information Sharing," of its 2009 March status report examines whether the Government of Canada has made satisfactory progress in implementing the recommendation from the 2003 November Report of the Auditor General of Canada, Chapter 10, "Other Audit Observations," ("Independent reviews of security and intelligence agencies"), and in implementing the selected recommendations from the 2004 March Report of the Auditor General of Canada, Chapter 3, "National Security in Canada—The 2001 Anti-Terrorism Initiative."

The audit was tabled in March 2009 and made one recommendation. The Agency's response is included in the audit report.

None.

May 2008 – Chapter 5 – Surveillance of Infectious Diseases

This report examined whether the PHAC, in collaboration with its partners, has obtained, analyzed and disseminated the information needed to help anticipate, prevent and respond to threats of infectious diseases. The CFIA was scoped into the audit to assess the coordination between the two agencies for surveillance of animal diseases that are transmissible to humans. The recommendation was to improve their ability to anticipate and control zoonotic diseases. The PHAC and the CFIA should jointly assess the possible risks to human and animal health, clarify how the responsibilities will be divided and act on joint surveillance objectives and priorities.
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_05_e_30701.html

December 2008 – Chapter 4 – Managing Risks to Canada’s Plant Resources

This report examined whether the CFIA adequately manages the risk that invasive alien plants, seeds, plant pests and plant diseases could enter or become established in Canada. The Agency’s ability to set and administer standards, conduct pest surveys and plant health risk assessments, and verify that imports of plants and plant products meet Canadian standards was also examined. The Agency is in agreement with all five recommendations resulting from this audit.
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200812_04_e_31828.html

March 2009 – Chapter 1 – Safety of Drinking Water

This was a follow-up report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development which examined federal progress toward implementing recommendations from a 2005 audit on Safety of Drinking Water. The CFIA was included in this audit given its and HC's responsibilities regarding the safety of bottled drinking water. There were no recommendations made pertaining to the Agency. The audit determined that the CFIA carries out its roles and responsibilities with respect to the safety of bottled drinking water.

• In 2008-2009, the Department prepared a Government response to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage report entitled CBC/Radio-Canada: Defining Distinctiveness in the Changing Media Landscape. The report included 47 recommendations, mostly regarding the funding and mandate of CBC/Radio-Canada and about new media. The Government response, tabled on June 19, 2008, indicated that, "It is the policy of this government that CBC/Radio-Canada is and will remain Canada's national public broadcaster in English and French while recognizing CBC/Radio-Canada's freedom of expression and journalistic, creative and programming independence, as stipulated in the Broadcasting Act". Concerning the recommendations in the report that addressed CBC/Radio-Canada's operations, the response indicated the following: "Given that CBC/Radio-Canada operates at arm's length, the Government will not respond directly to these recommendations, and rather is confident that CBC/Radio-Canada will give the Committee's recommendations due consideration". The Government mentioned, in the response, that although it "strongly supports the principle of accountability to Canadians [...], a "Memorandum of Understanding" between CBC/Radio-Canada and the Government is not advisable under the current legislative framework." Finally, the Government recognized the importance of "meeting the needs of official-language minority communities" and "to contribute to shared national consciousness and identity".

Full version of the Government's response:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/org/sectr/ac-ca/ppr-bpp/ri-bpi/pubs/rep-cbc-eng.cfm

• In September 2008, the Governor in Council received petitions pursuant to section 28 of the Broadcasting Act asking to set aside or refer back the CRTC Broadcasting Decision 2008-222 in which it approved broadcasting license applications to operate new FM radio stations to serve Ottawa and Gatineau. On December 10, 2008, the Governor in Council referred back the decision to the CRTC and by doing so, the Government publicly recognized radio's contribution to the vitality of Anglophone and Francophone minority communities and highlighted the CRTC's obligations towards official-language minority communities. (More information is available at: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2008/2008-12-10/html/si-tr141-eng.html.) The CRTC is expected to issue its decision in June 2009.

• None to Report

• None to Report

• None to report

2^nd Session of the 39^th Parliament

Report 10: Regulating Immigration Consultants

The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration presented the report to the House of Commons on June 12, 2008. In the report, the Committee made nine recommendations with regard to regulating immigration consultants in Quebec; addressing immigration consultants’ concerns regarding the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants; addressing the problem of ghost consultants; enforcing standards; and addressing the problem of unauthorized representatives practising outside of Canada.

The Committee requested a comprehensive response to the report. However, the dissolution of Parliament on September 7, 2008, cancelled the Government’s response before it could be tabled.

The Committee report can be found at the following link:
http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?COM=13182&Lang=1&SourceId=244418

Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG)

May 2008 Chapter 1—Management of Fees in Selected Departments and Agencies

The OAG examined thirteen different federal government user fees charged by six departments and agencies, including CIC, to an individual or organization for a good, a service, or the use of a facility. The OAG examined CIC’s right of permanent residence fee, permanent residence application fee, and right of citizenship fee in the audit.

Two recommendations included CIC. The OAG recommended establishing formal systems and practices to periodically review the fees and the possibility of changing fee–related costs or value among other things, and to consider improving the transparency of the fees that were subject to this audit by providing more complete public reporting of their financial and non–financial performance information. CIC agreed with the recommendations.

For supplementary information on this report please visit:
http://www.oag–bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_01_e_30697.html

May 2008 Chapter 7—Detention and Removal of Individuals—Canada Border Services Agency

The OAG examined whether the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and CIC have clearly articulated their respective accountabilities for administering the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and for reporting on the detention and removal of individuals. They also looked at whether the CBSA manages the detention of individuals consistently, in compliance with its policies and standards, with due regard to the economy, and whether it removes individuals from Canada cost effectively and based on the risks they present.

CIC was included in one audit recommendation. The OAG recommended that the CBSA and CIC should each develop and implement processes to ensure the quality of the Temporary Resident Permit program jointly delivered under IRPA. The CBSA and the Department agreed.

For supplementary information on this report please visit:
http://www.oag–bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_07_e_30703.html

March 2009 Chapter 1—National Security: Intelligence and Information Sharing

The audit objective was to determine whether the Government had made satisfactory progress in implementing the recommendation from the section Independent reviews of security and intelligence agencies, in the November 2003 Report of the Auditor General, Chapter 10, Other Audit Observations, and selected recommendations from the Auditor General March 2004 Report, Chapter 3, National Security in Canada – The 2001 Anti–Terrorism Initiative. CIC was one of 17 departments, agencies, and review bodies included in the audit. No recommendations were made to CIC.

For supplementary information on this report please visit:
http://www.oag–bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_01_e_32288.html#hd5c

Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD)

December 2008 Chapter 4—Annual Report on Sustainable Development Strategies

As part of the CESD’s annual monitoring of strategy commitments, implementation of selected commitments from the 2007–2009 sustainable development strategies of 11 organizations (including CIC) were examined. Generally, one commitment per department was examined.

CIC could not provide evidence that it had achieved expected results or had effectively planned, monitored, and tracked progress on the commitment selected for audit.

No recommendation was made.

For supplementary information on this report please visit:
http://www.oag–bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_04_e_31821.html

No audits of CIC.

• On March 12, 2009, the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to discuss Chapter 7 (Economy and Efficiency of Services - Correctional Service Canada) of the December 2008 Report of the Auditor General of Canada.  The Committee released its report in June 2009.  A Government Response is being developed and it is expected to be tabled in the House of Commons in October 2009.

AG report: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200812_e_31776.html

In February 2009, the Auditor General of Canada tabled her December 2008 report in the House of Commons.  As noted in the previous section, Chapter 7 related to CSC.    In its response to the Auditor General’s report, CSC agreed to all five recommendations and committed to address them by March 31, 2010.  The OAG‘s report, including CSC’s response can be found at:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200812_e_31776.html

• In addition, the report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD), December 2008- Chapter 4 - Annual Report on Sustainable Development Strategies made reference to CSC, more specifically with respect to the following commitment: Reduction of water consumption via the implementation of multiple measures to conserve potable water.  By March 2010, CSC will reduce its potable water consumption by 10%.

Although the report did not include any specific recommendation for Correctional Service Canada, the audit observed that because of a lack of accurate monitoring and reporting by its facilities, CSC is unable to reliably track progress on its commitment.  Since the time of the audit, measures have been taken to enhance our ability to track progress on our commitments and we remain on track to meet our reduction target by March 2010. The CESD report can be found at:

http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_04_e_31821.html#hd3c

http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/Francais/parl_cesd_200812_04_f_31821.html

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities

• Employability in Canada: Preparing for the Future. Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (Adopted by the Committee on March 13, 2008; Presented to the House on April 2, 2008)
• Government Response to the Third Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities—Employability in Canada: Preparing for the Future (Presented to the House on July 16, 2008)

The Department of Finance Canada was not included in the sample of departments and agencies audited in 2008–09 by the Official Languages Commissioner for 2008–09. In addition, as a result of the Department’s exemplary performance in the past, the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO) has exempted the Department from the obligation to report on the governance and the implementation of departmental official languages programs. For the 2008–09 period, OCHRO will instead rely on statistical data submitted regularly through the Position and Classification Information System.

Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security

Report 4 (39th Parliament, 2nd session)

Summary:
This report, entitled Study on the Conductive Energy Weapon - Taser® (Adopted by the Committee on June 16, 2008; Presented to the House on June 18, 2008), describes the Committee’s findings and recommendations intended to suggest the changes deemed necessary to address the issue of Taser use by the RCMP.

Recommendations:
Seventeen recommendations were put forward by the committee.

Response:
There wasn’t a Government Response to this study.

Hotlink for English:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=358 2906&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2

Hotlink for French:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=358 2906&Language=F&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2?

Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

Report 4 (39th Parliament, 2nd session)

Summary:
This report, entitled Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Adopted by the Committee on February 13, 2008; Presented to the House on February 14, 2008), indicates the Committee considered Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, and agreed on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, to report it with amendments.

Recommendations:
The Committee recommends amending the Citizenship Act.

Response:
There wasn’t a Government Response to this report.

Hotlink for English:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=327 7150&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2

Hotlink for French:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=327 7150&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2

Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
Report 5 (39th Parliament, 2nd session)

Summary:
This report, entitled Future House consideration of Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Adopted by the Committee on February 13, 2008; Presented to the House on February 13, 2008), indicates the Committee considered Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, and agreed on February 14, 2008, to report it with amendments.

Recommendations:
The Committee recommends to the House that Bill C-37 be passed at all remaining stages without further amendment as soon as possible.

Response:
There wasn’t a Government Response to this report.

Hotlink for English:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=327 8689&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2

Hotlink for French:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=327 8689&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2

Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics
Report 3 (40th Parliament, 2nd Session)

Summary: This study, entitled Study of the Mulroney Airbus Settlement, was adopted by the Committee ion March 11, 2009 and presented to the House on March 12, 2009; Concurred in by the House on March 12, 2009.

Recommendations: The Standing committee applies the parliamentary privilege of freedom of speech guarantees to all testimony and evidence submitted to the committee during the Mulroney Airbus settlement.

Response: There wasn’t a Government Response to this study.

Hotlink for English:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3743 823&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2

Hotlink for French:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=37438 23&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2&Language=F

2008 December Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Chapter 1: Managing Air Emissions

Summary: The audit examined tools that the Department uses to contribute to the reduction in air emissions. More specifically the audit examined Pollution Prevention Plan Notices, regulations on fuel blending, dispensing and content, economic measures and voluntary agreements.

The audit found that the Government did not have independent verification in place to know whether the results claimed by the private sector in the case of the Pollution Prevention Plan, fuel content and dispensing regulations, and voluntary agreements and estimated benefits, in the case of economic measures, are actually being achieved.

The audit recognized a number of good practices, including the Fuels Regulations Working Group and the enforcement database, two tools that the Department uses for assuring quality and consistency in the enforcement process.

The recommendations in this audit focus on revising the risk management strategy for acrylonitrile, assessing the implementation of the Benzene in Gasoline Regulationsand the Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations, and identifying the community of retailers and wholesalers subject to the Gasoline and Gasoline Blend Dispensing Flow Rate Regulations and conducting compliance promotion and enforcement activities.

Departmental Response: The Department agreed with all recommendations, and action to address them has already been completed or is under way.

For more information on this audit, go to www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_01_e_31818.html.

Chapter 2: Managing Severe Weather Warnings—Environment Canada

Summary: The audit examined whether Environment Canada's systems and procedures adequately support the delivery of timely and accurate severe weather warnings to Canadians. The audit looked at the Department's management of its weather observation network, the implementation of a new, advanced forecaster workstation called NinJo, and the delivery and verification of severe weather warnings. The audit also examined the Department's planning process that supports the delivery of severe weather warnings.

The audit found a number of issues with Environment Canada's ability to deliver severe weather warnings to Canadians in a sustainable way.

The recommendations focus on the need for good long-term planning in terms of strategic directions and the capital planning necessary to sustain the monitoring infrastructure, full life-cycle management of that infrastructure, a national public alerting system, performance reporting, and good project management practices.

Departmental Response: The Department agreed with all recommendations, and action to address them has already been completed or is underway.

For more information on this audit, go to www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_01_e_31818.html.

Chapter 5: Annual Report on Environmental Petitions

Summary: This chapter informs Parliament and Canadians about the use of the petitions process, and describes the number, nature and status of petitions received, and the timeliness of responses from ministers. Of the 56 petitions received by the Government, Environment Canada responded to 45. The Department continues to receive the largest number of petitions in the Government. While, no recommendations are made in this chapter, it highlights some good practices and opportunities for improvement.

For more information on this report, go to www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_05_e_31822.html.

2009 March Status Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Chapter 2: Air Quality Health Index—Health Canada and Environment Canada

Summary: The audit, based upon Environment Canada's and Health Canada's responses to two environmental petitions on managing air pollution and cross-border pollution, examined whether the two departments could demonstrate that they had made reasonable progress on their commitment to develop a Canada-wide health-based air quality index.

The audit found that Environment Canada and Health Canada have made satisfactory progress in developing the index. While there are no recommendations, the audit notes short-term and long-term challenges and issues that will need to be addressed.

October 2008 Study by the Public Service Commission of Canada

Appointment Under the Public Service Employment Act Following Participation in Federal Student Employment Programs

Summary: The objective of the study was to determine what proportion of former students became employed under the Public Service Employment Act and to describe other significant trends about these appointments. The study involved 11 departments, including Environment Canada.

For more information on this study, go to www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/app-nom/index-eng.htm.

October 2008 Audit by the Public Service Commission of Canada

Government-wide Audit of Executive (EX) appointments

Summary: The objective of the audit was to determine whether executive appointment activities were in compliance with the new Public Service Employment Actand other applicable instruments. Environment Canada was included in this audit.

The audit examined 348 appointments across government and identified 47 unsatisfactory cases. Deputy Heads of all audited organizations were provided with an opportunity to acknowledge and comment on these results, a summary of which is included in the report.

For more information on this audit, go to www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/ex/index-eng.htm#toc34.

November 2008 Audit by the Commissioner of Official Languages

Bilingual Weather and Environmental Services Provided on the Environment Canada Automated Telephone Network

Summary: The objective of the audit was to determine whether Environment Canada, and more specifically the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC), complies fully with its obligations under Part IV of the Official Languages Act as far as delivery of weather services in both official languages is concerned. The audit focused exclusively on weather services offered to the Canadian public on the MSC automated telephone network.

The audit found that the Department was not in compliance with certain provisions of the Official Languages Act.

The audit made eight recommendations covering issues such as the need for accountability frameworks for official languages and an action plan for official languages, including establishing performance measures for official languages in performance contracts, taking the appropriate measures to ensure the active offer of bilingual weather information and establishing monitoring measures concerning active offer.

Departmental Response: The Department agreed with the recommendations, and action to address them has already been completed or is under way.

For more information on this audit, go to www.ocol-clo.gc.ca/html/audit_verification_102008_e.php.

• During the reporting period, the Agency did not table any responses to Parliamentary Committee reports.

• During the reporting period, the Agency did not table any responses to the Auditor General.

• As part of the 2006 legislative amendments to the PCMLTFA, the OPC assumed oversight responsibility with respect to the measures FINTRAC employs to protect the information under its control. The Privacy Commissioner is obliged to conduct a review every two years and report the results of the reviews to Parliament. The first of these reviews started in 2007 and concluded during the reporting period. Key findings are expected to be made public in the fall of 2009.

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has considered Bill S-215, An Act to protect heritage lighthouses, and agreed on Thursday, April 10, 2008, to report it with amendments.

No Government response requested.

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans "has considered Votes 1, 5 and 10 under FISHERIES AND OCEANS in the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, and reports the same less the amounts granted in Interim Supply."

No Government response requested.

Recommendations from the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans:

1. The Committee recommends that Canada uphold its position that the waters of the Northwest Passage are its internal waters and should be prepared to defend any legal challenge.

2. The Committee recommends that Canada develop a much stronger year-round, national presence and enforcement capability to show the world that Canada is serious about controlling the Northwest Passage, protecting Canadian interests and its people, and making the waterway a safe and efficient shipping route.

3. The Committee recommends that there be a uniform, common code relating to the construction, manning and equipment of all vessels operating in the Arctic.

4. The Committee recommends that Inuit, with their unique knowledge of the region, be recruited for the Coast Guard wherever possible.

5. The Committee recommends that the Coast Guard formulate a long-term strategic vision to guide it into the future. With nearly a quarter of experienced marine personnel expected to retire in the next five to seven years, staffing issues will present a challenge.

6. The Committee recommends that NORDREG, Canada's current voluntary vessel traffic system in the Arctic, be made compulsory.

7. The Committee recommends that Canada develop a long-term plan for the acquisition of new multi-purpose heavy icebreakers made in Canada and capable of operating year-round in its Arctic Archipelago and on the continental shelf.

8. The Committee recommends the deployment of multi-mission polar icebreakers operated by the Coast Guard as a cost-effective solution to Canada's surveillance and sovereignty patrol needs in the Arctic.

9. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada move forward to implement, in collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, a comprehensive harbour development plan, as recommended by the DFO-Nunavut Harbours Working Committee in its 2005 Nunavut Small Craft Harbours Report.

No Government response requested.

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans "recommends that the federal government, in cooperation with the provinces and territories, conduct in-depth research into the effect of environmental changes on the eelgrass beds of James Bay. In addition, the federal government must establish, within its jurisdiction, a program of research and large-scale monitoring of the ecosystems of James and Hudson bays. It is essential that the various aboriginal communities involved participate in the research and monitoring, so as to incorporate traditional knowledge and local know-how."

Government Response requested but, based on the parliamentary procedures, the response was not tabled due to the election in October 2008.

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans "has considered Votes 1b, 5b and 10b under FISHERIES AND OCEANS in the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, and reports the same."

No Government response requested.

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has concurred in the findings of the Report entitled Condition of the Eelgrass Beds in James Bay, which was presented to the House during the 2nd Session of the 39th Parliament.

Note: The content of the Report entitled Condition of the Eelgrass Beds in James Bay is summarized above, under the summary of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans presented to the House on June 12, 2008.

Government Response required to be tabled in the House by September 14, 2009.

Note: The Response is led by Environment Canada. DFO will provide input and guidance to EC as needed.

"The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans calls on the government to:

a) intensify representations to the European Parliament and implement a widespread educational campaign in Europe to counteract the inflammatory campaigns of misinformation against the seal hunt waged by abolitionist groups.

b) do everything in its power to ensure that hunters and the seal industry have the best conditions possible for the 2009 hunting season."

No Government Response requested.

The OAG selected thirteen such fees established by six federal organizations responsible for a major portion of the fee revenue reported by the government: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Health Canada, Industry Canada, and the Parks Canada Agency. They looked at how these organizations established the cost of the fee and determined the amount to be charged for the fee; they also looked at how they measured, monitored, and reported on the performance of the fee-related activities. In addition, they looked at any related policy or guidance on fees that the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has provided to departments and agencies; also looked at the scope and application of the User Fees Act passed in 2004.

1.27 Fisheries and Oceans Canada should improve the reliability of the information used to allocate costs to the marine navigation services fee. (1.25)

Response

Fisheries and Oceans Canada accepts the recommendation. Since the internal audit of 2005, improvements have been made to clarify and update the business process related to the timeliness and reliability of the fleet operational data and the consistency of cost allocations. The Department is carrying out the Readiness Assessment project to prepare for the independent audited financial statements that are to be available by the 2010-11 fiscal years. The costing systems and processes will be reviewed, after which the Department will assess the actions needed and time required to improve the reliability of the information.

Recommendation

1.28 Fisheries and Oceans Canada should identify the costs associated with the registration fee for fishers and their vessels to ensure that the fee complies with all legislation, policies, and guidance associated with the fee, and take any necessary action to adjust the fee. (1.27)

Response

Fisheries and Oceans Canada accepts the recommendation. The Department has started identifying the costs associated with the issuance of fisher and vessel registrations for which fees are set under regulation. These costs will be compared to the revenues collected for the issuance of these registrations, and the Department will determine the necessary action to be taken, including adjusting the fees if required. Because of the complexity of the regulatory process, adjustments to fisher and vessel registration fees would be completed by 2011.

Recommendation

1.46 Industry Canada (radio licence fees), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (commercial fishing licence fees), Health Canada (medical marihuana fee), and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (permanent residence application fee, right of permanent residence fee, and right of citizenship fee) should establish formal systems and practices to periodically review these fees. In this review, the departments should consider changing fee-related costs or value, the portion of the fee that should accrue to fee payers and taxpayers respectively, and other factors related to changing circumstances. They should also consider developing a longer-term approach to the fee structure that would enable the fee to be automatically adjusted to reflect these various factors, subject to the requirements of the User Fees Act. (1.39-1.45)

Response

Fisheries and Oceans Canada accepts the recommendation. The Department continues to periodically review commercial fishing licence fees. The most recent review was announced 12 April 2007, and is expected to be complete by 2010 in light of the extensive requirements associated with the regulatory process and the User Fees Act. The review is assessing changing factors within the commercial fishery as well as long-term approaches that would allow for timely and automatic updating of commercial fishing fees.

Recommendation

1.73 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Industry Canada, and Health Canada should consider improving the transparency of their fees that were subject to this audit by providing more complete public reporting of their financial and non-financial performance information. (1.68-1.72)

Response

Fisheries and Oceans Canada accepts the recommendation. The Department will consider the means whereby the fees may be made more transparent through the medium of the Report on Plans and Priorities and the Departmental Performance Report.

For this status report, the OAG examined the progress made since 2004 by 14 departments and agencies in their management and sharing of intelligence information, including the interoperability of their systems to support information sharing.

Recommendation

No recommendation for DFO

The audit looked at the federal government's process for making Governor in Council appointments to Crown corporations, small federal entities, and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. They examined the extent of progress made in implementing recommendations on the appointment process from our 2000 and 2005 reports on Crown corporation governance. In the small entities they examined, they looked at appointment-related issues raised in our 2003 audit of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and our 2006 audit of the Office of the Correctional Investigator. They followed up on a related recommendation from our 1997 audit of the Immigration and Refugee Board that the government improve its practices for appointing Board members. The audit did not review the appointment decisions made by the Governor in Council or the roles played by ministers, ministers' offices, or the Prime Minister's Office.

Recommendation

No recommendation for DFO

Recommendation

No recommendation for DFO

The chapter describes the nature of environmental petitions and the extent to which some of them may have influenced the federal management of environmental issues in Canada. In fulfillment of statutory obligations contained in the Auditor General Act, the chapter contains an annual report to Parliament on the nature and status of petitions.

The Chapter sites that Fisheries and Oceans Canada improved the timeliness of their responses this year.

1. Report 3 - Employability in Canada
   • Adopted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) on March 13, 2008; tabled in the House on April 2, 2008.
   • Government Response: Third Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, "Employability in Canada: Preparing for the Future" was tabled in the House of Commons on July 16, 2008.

   http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3599503&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2

2. Sixth Report - Sharing Canada’s Prosperity – A Hand Up, Not A Handout
   • Adopted by the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples on February 28, 2007; tabled in the Senate on March 20, 2007; and, adopted by the Senate on March 27, 2007.
   • Government Response was tabled in the Senate on April 15, 2008.

The Government Response is not available on the Parliamentary Website

Annual Report on Sustainable Development Strategies

Issue: The Department should have integrated structures and processes to effectively manage the implementation of the Processing Automation Initiative and the Simplification of Program Delivery Document Requirements commitments from the sustainable development strategy and should identify achieved results. The short-term outcomes should be to reduce energy and paper use through service process automation, and decrease service delivery processing requirements.

The audit determined that HRSDC had structures and processes in place to plan, implement and monitor the two 2007-2009 Sustainable Development Strategy activities of the Green Processing commitment and could demonstrate some achieved results. Both components of the commitment have been substantially implemented, and progress is monitored, measured, and reported on internally. Some results have been identified, and plans are in place for ongoing implementation.

Auditor General’s December 2008 Status Report – Chapter 1
A Study of Federal Transfers to Provinces and Territories

Issue: The study of federal government financial transfers to provinces and territories was an illustrative description of contribution funding provided by HRSDC to support labour market development programs. The study noted the new approach to federal support for labour market programs adopted in 2008. It specifically described the enhanced accountability framework and the requirement for independent verification of the incremental nature of federal funding.

The study can be found at:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200812_01_e_31825.html

Auditor General’s February 2009 Report
Managing Identity Information

Issue: The management of identity information contained in the Social Insurance Register. The Department should collect only identity information that is relevant to program needs, have systems and practices in place to ensure the quality of the identity information collected and that ensure a whole-of-government approach while respecting legal and policy requirements.

The audit noted that the Department has taken significant steps to implement a quality measurement and reporting system for the data in the Social Insurance Register, as well as a quality management strategy for new data as it is entered into the Social Insurance Register when someone applies for a Social Insurance Number.

The government’s response can be found at:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/oth_200902_e_32154.html

Auditor General’s 2009 March Status Report - Chapter 2
The Governor in Council Appointment Process

Issue: The Department should have management systems and procedures that provide for timely Governor in Council appointments.

The Department received updated guidance with respect to the Governor in Council appointment process from the Privy Council Office, including an outline of roles, responsibilities and expectations, specifically regarding selection processes and vacancy management. A review of the processes of the Governor in Council Appointments Unit verified that decisions on appointments and re-appointments are made by the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development in a timely fashion. Further, Governor in Council Appointments Unit practices include the provision of monthly status reports to the Minister’s Office in which upcoming vacancies are highlighted six months in advance of expiry dates. Current practices are in line with recommendations related to forecasting of vacancies and overall process timeliness.

The audit can be found at:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_02_e_32289.html#hd5e

Issue: The Department’s appointments and appointment processes to and within the Executive Group should comply with the Public Service Employment Act, other governing authorities and policies, the instrument of delegation signed with the Public Service Commission and the appointment values, which form the foundation of the policies and the delegation.

The Public Service Commission committed to taking actions to address the observations made in the audit.

The audit can be found at:
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/ex/index-eng.htm

Public Service Commission of Canada – October 2008 Report
Study on Mobility of Public Servants

Issue: This study was to help the Public Service Commission to better understand employee movement trends in the public service, to examine the factors that have influenced employee movement, and to identify lessons learned. The Department participated as a case study on the subject of employee movement within the federal public service.

The audit can be found at:
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/mob/index-eng.htm

Privacy Commissioner of Canada – December 2008 Report
Privacy Audit of Canadian Passport Operations

Issue: The audit focused primarily on Passport Canada and Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s management of personal information. However, observations were made concerning the disposal of passport information at one HRSDC location and the physical security of personal information.

The Department will reiterate the importance of the proper disposal of sensitive information with frontline staff and passport information is properly secured and shipped to Passport Canada via secure courier pick-up mail services. Photos left at HRSDC offices will be placed in secure classified shredding waste bins until removal by the disposal shredding company, secure shredding bins for classified waste will be in place in HRSDC offices and certified companies will be utilized to conduct its shredding. All aspects of the passport applications will be returned to the client.

The audit can be found at:
http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/pub/ar-vr/pc_20081204_e.asp#009

Privacy Commissioner of Canada - February 2009 Report
Privacy Management Frameworks of Selected Federal Institutions

Issue: Although the Department has a robust privacy management framework, it needs to be revitalized and used to its full potential.

Membership in the Privacy Management Framework Steering Committee has been updated and confirmed at the Director-General level. The Chief Privacy Officer and the Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy, Partnerships and Corporate Affairs serve as co-chairs of the Committee. The Privacy Management Framework Steering Committee will comprehensively address privacy governance within its mandate and is discussing options for further revitalization of the Committee.

The Department is committed to reviewing, updating and posting the Privacy Policy and guidelines on each of the Departmental Internet sites.

The Department’s information sharing agreements will be reviewed and a methodology will be developed to update these agreements. A comprehensive inventory of all agreements involving the use and disclosure of personal information will be developed.

The audit can be found at:
http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/pub/ar-vr/pmf_20090212_e.asp#toc05c

As a result of the new Audit Policy, the OAG annually sends the Audit Branch all the previous recommendations it has made to NRCan that are not considered completed for an update. For 2008-09, the department was asked to update and assess the status of previous recommendations. Responses were provided accordingly by the audited entities and assessed by the Audit Branch according to their responses. We however, cannot provide assurance on the responses.

The OAG audits included:

2003 – 10 CESD Chapter 1 – Managing the Safety and Accessibility of Pesticides
OAG recommended that NRCan should collaborate with other departments and agencies such as Health Canada, Environment Canada, etc. to better support pesticide regulation.

Response: As per the recommendation, NRCan continued to collaborate with agencies and departments with pesticide-related mandates. The relevant departments signed an MOU in 2008. Through this agreement, departments have identified their research and regulatory needs.

2003 – 11 OAG Chapter 10 – Other Audit Observations
OAG recommended that NRCan should improve its financial information and monitoring frameworks as such relate to managing contribution programs and scientific equipment. The objective of this recommendation is to ensure that such practices conform to Treasury Board Policy.

Response: NRCan has a Centre of Expertise which handles such issues. The Centre has added additional resources to enhance the management of contribution agreements. Secondly, improvements and new controls have been added to the financial system to safeguard the integrity of scientific equipments.

2005 – 04 OAG Chapter 1 – NRCan – Governance and Strategic Management
OAG recommended that NRCan should document the competencies and capacities of its current workforce and develop a human resources plan that will enable the department to replace the large percentage of key staff eligible to retire in the next few years.

Response: NRCan has developed a departmental HR Plan. This plan sets out specific strategies and timelines for five areas of focus: workforce capacity; competencies; employment equity; official languages; and workplace well-being.

2005 – 04 OAG Chapter 1 – NRCan – Governance and Strategic Management
OAG recommended that NRCan should develop plans and improve its risk analysis to deal with emergency situations particularly in areas where it has the lead federal role.

Response: As per the recommendations of the OAG, NRCan has continued to review and update the department's 11 Civil Emergency Plans. During FY 2008-09, two plans were tested through a joint exercise which engaged senior management and the National Energy Board. A third plan was validated through a major Government of Canada exercise in preparation for the 2010 Games. In addition, the department has updated its Corporate Risk Profile.

2004 – 10 CESD Chapter 4 – Assessing the Environmental Impact of Policies, Plans and Programs
It was recommended that Deputy Heads of departments and agencies ensure that their respective organizations are fully implementing the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals.

Response: NRCan has continued to use the management and accountability mechanisms and structures designed to uphold the implementation of this objective. In particular, outreach and training sessions are continuously provided to employees and managers on the requirements of this directive.

2005 – 04 OAG Chapter 1 – NRCan – Governance and Strategic Management
OAG recommended that NRCan should improve its performance measurement framework and reporting in order to provide parliamentarians with better information on the results and outcomes of its programs.

Response: NRCan has completed a Strategic Framework that articulates a new vision, mission and principles for the department. The framework includes NRCan's new Strategic Outcomes and was approved by the Treasury Board. The performance measurement component and other key elements in the framework have been strengthened to enhance strategic business planning and reporting of results and outcomes.

2005 – 04 OAG Chapter 1 – NRCan – Governance and Strategic Management
OAG recommended that NRCan should institute a strategic planning process across all sectors and develop a corporate strategic plan.

Response: Consistent with the OAG's recommendation, NRCan has articulated a new departmental vision and strategic direction through the Strategic Framework. Working through a DG-level task group, a corporate planning network and the Strategic Planning and Reporting Division, NRCan's Departmental Management Committee (DMC) has been consistently steering the development and implementation of corporate-level integrated strategic planning and reporting processes in the department.

2005 – 04 OAG Chapter 1 – NRCan – Governance and Strategic Management
OAG recommended that NRCan should improve its governance processes especially with respect to mandates, resources, roles and responsibilities for managers of horizontal issues.

Response: NRCan has instituted a DM-led Policy and Science Management Committee which ensures effective horizontal collaboration within NRCan on departmental and government-wide initiatives. Also, the DM has set up five Horizontal Task Teams (HTT) co-chaired by ADMs. These HTTs constitute a key component for the implementation of the Strategic Framework.

2005 – 04 OAG Chapter 1 – NRCan – Governance and Strategic Management
OAG recommended that NRCan should determine and obtain the relevant industry information that it needs to support strategic decision making by producing it internally or obtaining it from outside sources.

Response: NRCan's Science and Policy Integration (SPI) sector is leading the department's corporate-level efforts to obtain, analyze and disseminate the industry information needed to support strategic decision-making. The sector has created the necessary structures and mechanisms to support that process.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 1 – Managing the Federal Approach to Climate Change
It was recommended that NRCan should ensure that the model, data and results from the 2005 memorandum of understanding with the automotive industry are independently verified and that the results of the publication are reported publicly.

Response: NRCan is in the process of finalizing a request for proposals to select an independent third party to perform verification of the accounting model used to measure the auto industry's progress against the first interim target established in the memorandum of understanding. It may also be noted that government and industry have jointly released three progress updates. Public workshops were offered to stakeholders after each of the three progress updates.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 1 – Managing the Federal Approach to Climate Change
It was recommended that in any future voluntary agreements, NRCan should establish requirements similar to those found in Environment Canada's 2001 Policy Framework for Environmental Performance Agreements.

Response: No voluntary agreements have been established since the release of the CESD reports.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 2 – Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change
It was recommended that NRCan and Environment Canada should collaborate with other pertinent federal departments and stakeholders to strengthen and develop initiatives relating to climate change and adaptation.

Response: NRCan continues to collaborate with Environment Canada and other pertinent stakeholders to advance the Government's climate change and adaptation plans.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 3 – Reducing Greenhouse Gases
It was recommended that NRCan should lead the development of a wind power strategy for Canada. This would be done in collaboration with the provinces and wind industry.

Response: NRCan developed a discussion paper titled, "Towards an Enabling Wind Energy Policy Framework in Canada" which served as the basis for consultations with industry, utilities, environmental groups and provinces in Ottawa and Montreal over the course of 2008. The department is also developing a Wind Technology Roadmap, an industry-led report that will identify key issues for wind energy development in Canada. Through the development of these two frameworks, NRCan is continuing to support the vision for wind power in Canada.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 3 – Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emitted During Energy Production and Consumption
It was recommended that NRCan should complete the evaluation of the Wind Power Production Incentive (WPPI) that it committed to in 2002.

Response: An evaluation of renewable energies including the WPPI is underway.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 3 – Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emitted During Energy Production and Consumption
It was recommended that NRCan, on behalf of the Government of Canada should make clear to Parliament by the end of 2006 how and to what degree the country would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector.

Response: The Government has committed to reducing Canada's GHG emissions by 20 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020. Environment Canada (EC) is the lead department for the implementation of that plan. NRCan has been fully engaged in the development of the regulatory framework for industrial gas emissions and will continue to work closely with EC officials on issues relating to greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 3 – Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emitted During Energy Production and Consumption
It was recommended that NRCan should ensure that clear and concrete greenhouse gas reduction targets are established for each of its programs funded for this purpose.

Response: All programs under the Clean Air Agenda (CAA) annually report on their costs and performance including GHG emissions reductions through the CAA Horizontal Performance Report which is submitted to Parliament through Environment Canada.

2006 – 09 CESD Chapter 3 – Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emitted During Energy Production and Consumption
It was recommended that NRCan should establish consistent practices for financial management and reporting of authorized funding and spending at the program level.

Response: To ensure effective interdepartmental management of clean air initiatives, NRCan is participating with 8 federal departments in the Horizontal Management Accountability and Reporting Framework (HMARF) for the Clean Air Agenda. The HMARF (approved by the Treasury Board on April 3, 2008) establishes consistent practices for the management and reporting of financial information at the program level.

2006 – 11 OAG Chapter 12– Role of Federally Appointed Board Members – Sustainable Development Technology Canada
NRCan and Environment Canada should consult the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council Office to clarify the necessity of restricting the participation of federal government appointees to the Board of Directors of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (STDC) in the decision-making process.

Response: The issue under consideration was covered under clause 15.20 in STDC Funding Agreement Three. That clause was withdrawn by the President of the Treasury Board in a letter to the STDC in February 2007. Subsequently, the agreement was formally revised and that clause was amended accordingly.

For further information, please contact NRCan's Internal Audit Branch.

The following six audit activities impacting PCO were reported during 2008-09 by the Office of the Auditor General and the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.

2008 May Report of the Auditor General of Canada

Chapter 1—Management of Fees in Selected Departments and Agencies

The audit looked at 13 fees established by six federal organizations responsible for a major portion of the fee revenue reported by the government. The audit examined how these organizations established the cost of the fee-related activity and determined the amount to be charged, and how the six organizations measured, monitored, and reported on the performance of fee-related activities. The audit also looked at related policy or guidance provided to departments and agencies by the Treasury Board Secretariat, and the scope and application of the User Fees Act passed in 2004. None of the report’s eight recommendations were addressed to the Privy Council Office.

www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_01_e_30697.html

Chapter 6—Conservation of Federal Official Residences

The audit examined the management practices adopted by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) to ensure the conservation of official residences, including six residences in Ottawa-Gatineau and the Governor General’s secondary residence in the city of Québec. Audit work was conducted at the NCC, PWGSC, Transport Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, as well as in PCO, which sits as an observer on the NCC’s Advisory Committee on the Official Residences of Canada. Although the audit found that the NCC has implemented sound management practices to ensure that the six official residences in Ottawa-Gatineau are conserved, it also reported that both Rideau Hall and 24 Sussex Drive require extensive repairs. While the audit made no recommendations, it noted that complete rehabilitation of 24 Sussex Drive, the Prime Minister’s residence, will require prolonged access (an estimated 12 to 15 months) and that asking the Prime Minister to move to a temporary residence must be considered as a practical solution to avoid the consequences of constant postponement of urgent rehabilitation work.

www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_06_e_30702.html

2008 December Report of the Auditor General of Canada

Chapter 1—A Study of Federal Transfers to Provinces and Territories

The study was undertaken to inform parliamentarians about the mechanisms used by the federal government to transfer funds to the provinces and territories for general areas of spending, which in 2006-07 accounted for approximately $50 billion, just under 23 percent of total federal spending. These transfers are a major source of funding to Canadians for services such as health care, post-secondary education, and housing. The study disclosed that the extent of federal accountability for how the provinces and territories spend transferred funds depends on the nature and extent of conditions attached to the transfers, and that in cases where transfers have limited or no conditions, the provinces and territories have the flexibility to spend the funds according to their own priorities, with no legal obligation to account to the federal government for the spending. The study report contains no recommendations. 

www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200812_01_e_31825.html

Chapter 2—Governance of Small Federal Entities

This audit was undertaken as a result of previous conclusions reached by the Auditor General and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts that central agency oversight and guidance for small entities was not working. The audit examined oversight, coordination, reporting and shared services arrangements by which central agencies of government oversee the management of small entities (considered in this audit to be federal organizations with fewer than 500 employees or annual approved expenditures of less than $300 million). Audit work was carried out in the Privy Council Office (PCO), the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), and the (then) Canada Public Service Agency, as well as in three federal departments and six small entities. Of the audit’s four recommendations, one called for PCO and TBS to improve guidance on portfolio coordination, in particular, to ensure that expectations are clearly set out and communicated to portfolio departments and entities. PCO committed to providing expanded principles-based guidance in early 2009 to assist entities in understanding their responsibilities, and noted that it had reintroduced more systematic, one-on-one briefing sessions with new deputy-level Governor-in-Council appointees, including on the subject of portfolio coordination.

www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200812_02_e_31826.html

2009 March Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada

Chapter 1—National Security: Intelligence and Information Sharing

www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_01_e_32288.html

Chapter 2—The Governor-in-Council Appointment Process

The focus of this chapter was to assess whether the Government implemented previous audit recommendations on the GiC appointment process in Crown corporations, small entities and the IRB (including 2000 and 2005 reports on Crown corporation governance, a 2003 audit of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, a 2006 audit of the Office of the Correctional Investigator and a 1997 audit of the IRB). The audit covers GiC appointments made to 43 Crown corporations, 52 small federal entities and the IRB between January 1, 2006 to September 20, 2008. The AG assessed the extent to which the appointment and reappointment processes were timely, transparent, and competency-based, and the extent to which appointees received appropriate orientation and training to perform their duties.

The AG concluded that progress on timeliness of appointments and vacancy rates is unsatisfactory and has indicated that communications among stakeholders needs to improve. She acknowledged that the orientation and training of GiC appointees is functioning well.

The AG made five recommendations, one of which states that PCO should complete its project to determine the optimal number of directors for each Crown corporation. The other four recommendations are directed at the Government (one of which is jointly directed to the IRB) and are aimed at improving communication, timeliness and vacancy rates.

In its response, PCO has agreed to complete the project to identify the optimal number of directors for each Crown corporation and has indicated that it will continue to support the Government in the GiC appointment process.

www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_02_e_32289.html

Government-wide audit of executive (EX) appointments: Report published in October 2008.

In this audit, the Public Service Commission (PSC) examined appointment processes to and within the Executive Group (EX) to ensure compliance with the new Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), with other governing authorities and policies, and with the instruments of delegation signed with the PSC and the appointment values. This audit examined appointments during the first year of implementation of the new PSEA (2006), which was also the first year of delegation to deputy heads of appointment authorities for EX positions. PCO was one of the departments covered by the audit and it responded to the audit’s findings as per the instructions of the PSC, including providing additional information and rationales, where required, for decisions within the staffing processes.

www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/ex/index-eng.htm

Special Senate Committee on Aging

On April 21, 2009, the Special Senate Committee on Aging tabled its final report  Canada’s Aging Population: Seizing the Opportunity. The report outlines the challenges facing Canada’s aging population, including healthy and active aging.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts held a hearing on March 10, 2009, to seek an update from the Agency concerning progress made on the recommendations in  May 2008 OAG Report on the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases.

The focus of the Auditor General’s audit had been to determine whether the Agency had:

• Defined its roles and responsibilities and set objectives and priorities for surveillance based on the public health treats of infectious diseases;
• Obtained, analyzed, and reported information on selected existing and emerging infectious diseases;
• Met its new international obligations under the International Health Regulations; and
• Made progress on selected recommendations from their past reports.

The Auditor General’s Report outlined four key concerns regarding surveillance of infectious diseases by the Agency:

• Weaknesses related to strategic direction, data quality, results measurement, and information sharing were noted in previous OAG audits still remain;
• While the Agency relied heavily on the good will of provinces and territories for surveillance information, there are gaps in information-sharing agreements;
• In the event of a public health emergency, critical arrangements need to be sorted out; and
• The Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have not jointly determined which of the animal diseases that could affect the health of people are the highest priority for surveillance, and which of the two agencies will carry out surveillance of what diseases.

In their May 2009 report, the  Standing Committee on Public Accounts made five recommendations:

1. the Agency provide an interim status report to the Public Accounts Committee on its progress in implementing the Office of the Auditor General’s recommendations by 30 September 2009, and that additional status reports be submitted to the Committee annually until the recommendations are fully implemented.
2. Health Canada and the Agency provide the Public Accounts Committee by 30 September 2009 with a clear timeline for a legislative review which would determine whether additional statutory authorities are necessary.
3. the Agency provide the Public Accounts Committee by 30 September 2009 with a proposed timeline for negotiating information sharing agreements with the provinces and territories, and report progress in making these agreements in its annual status report to the Committee.
4. the Agency provide the Public Accounts Committee with its assessment of core surveillance and response capacity requirements by 30 September 2009, along with a timeline detailing how it intends to meet the World Health Organization Regulations by the mandatory deadline of 2012.
5. the Agency include in its Departmental Performance Reports an outline of the challenges and risks it faces as an organization; and that the Agency provide a balanced appraisal of the results it has achieved in improving its surveillance activities.

Agency Response:

The Agency is committed to providing a response to the Standing Committee’s recommendations before September 30, 2009.

The Agency’s response to the Auditor General Report is presented later in this table.

Senate Subcommittee on Population Health

On June 3, 2009, the Senate Subcommittee on Population Health tabled its final report,  A Healthy, Productive Canada: A Determinant of Health Approach,in the Senate. The Subcommittee was mandated to examine and report on the impact of the multiple factors and conditions that contribute to the health of Canada’s population, known collectively as the social determinants of health. The report contains 22 recommendations directed at all orders of government and several federal organizations, both within and outside the health portfolio. Recommendations are grouped under four categories:

1. Governance: a whole of government approach (9 recommendations);
2. Population health data infrastructure (4 recommendations);
3. Healthy communities (4 recommendations); and
4. Aboriginal population health (5 recommendations).

In 2008-09, the Agency continued efforts in relevant areas, as well as undertook new work that is in line with the recommendations. For example:

• Early child development:
• The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CAPC) and the Community Action Program for Children (CPNP), programs funded by the Agency, promote health and address health inequalities affecting pregnant women, young children and their families. The Agency has supported CAPC and CPNP programs to mobilize community-based groups and coalitions to increase access to health and social supports for groups that may be at risk of poor health due to poverty, social and geographic isolation, recent arrival to Canada, or substance use.
   
• Focus on Aboriginal populations:
• The Agency Aboriginal Head Start program prepares Aboriginal children for success at school by providing an opportunity for preschoolers to learn traditional languages, culture and values – along with school readiness skills – while acquiring healthy living habits. Today more than 4,500 children and their families in urban and northern communities across Canada are benefiting from the Aboriginal Head Start program.
   
• Collaboration across and among governments:
• The Agency continued to support the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network (PHN), a network of federal, provincial and territorial public health leaders and select stakeholders, to share knowledge, expertise and best practices. The PHN also develops and implements efficient and collaborative approaches to public health issues and challenges. The Agency also worked with the World Health Organization to develop best practices for inter-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional mechanisms to inform future population health efforts.
   
• Population health data systems and intervention research:
• The Agency worked with Statistics Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information on a Population and Public Health Indicator framework. The Agency also produced an important background report on the development of health disparities indicators in Canada; taken together, these activities will provide more comprehensive indicators that better reflect health disparities.
   
  
• Health status of vulnerable populations:
• The Agency, along with other portfolio partners, has engaged on other fronts to enhance the health status of vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, through support for the Canadian Mental Health Commission’s demonstration projects on homelessness and mental health.

At the time of writing, a comprehensive government response has not been requested by the Subcommittee. However, the Agency will review the report in detail and prepare further analyses of the recommendations to assess the implications for their implementation.

 May 2008 OAG Report on the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases contained recommendations which are presented above in the section on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The Agency’s response is included in the OAG Report. Steps already taken to address the concerns in the report include:

• Developing a comprehensive Action Plan to implement its Surveillance Strategic Framework and surveillance strategy, which integrate the recommendations of the May 2008 Report;

• Establishing a Surveillance Integration Team to improve and better integrate surveillance activities across the Agency;

• Working to put into place official intergovernmental agreements that formalize the well-established working arrangements for information-sharing; and

Moving towards meeting International Health Regulation requirements through the creation of Memoranda of Understanding for information-sharing and mutual assistance during public health emergencies with all the provinces and territories.

No external audits were issued during 2008-09.

Modernization of Human Resources Management - Managing the Reforms (Chapter 3 of the February 2005 Report of the Auditor General of Canada)

In 2007-2008, the PSC made significant changes to its Staffing Management Accountability Framework (SMAF) that describes the expectations and indicators for departments and agencies. The new SMAF puts more focus on improved short-term outcomes concerning flexibility and efficiency results and staffing values, as well as key change areas needed for long-term success of the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). In 2008-2009, the new SMAF (with minor modifications) together with the Departmental Staffing Accountability Report, are used for annual monitoring of departmental/agency staffing activities and are integrated with the PSC’s broader evaluation framework that was established to prepare for the five-year review of the PSEA. Both the annual monitoring activities and evaluation framework will be used to further establish meaningful performance measures, gather critical benchmarking data and contribute to the continuous improvement of its ongoing oversight activities. In 2008-2009, the PSC launched the first staffing survey that was piloted the previous year and is better aligned with the current staffing monitoring regime and the five-year evaluation framework. In 2008-2009, the PSC also worked with central agencies to assist in the development of key human resource management indicators. In addition, the PSC worked with key agencies to develop a better way to estimate employment equity group representation in appointments. Like all departments and agencies, the PSC uses the Report on Plans and Priorities and the Departmental Performance Report to inform Parliament of its progress, although the Annual Report is the main vehicle for reporting on implementation of reforms under the PSEA.

In carrying out its audits of staffing activities of departments and agencies, the PSC assesses the integrity of organizational staffing activities and makes recommendations to deputy heads regarding improvements. The results of these audits are reported to Parliament. In these audits, the PSC may also identify areas for improvement to the PSC's own operations. In the fall of 2008, in an Audit of Executive (EX) Appointments, the PSC made commitments to improve areas of its own operations. These commitments related to improvements to the PSC Executive resources, clarification of relevant PSC policies and guidelines and changes to the PSC monitoring of Executive appointments.

The PSC has taken steps to ensure that these commitments are respected. Progress on action plans to remedy weaknesses is monitored by the Internal Audit Directorate and the Internal Audit Committee. The Audit, Evaluation and Studies Branch is responsible for conducting follow-up audits, which are reported in accordance with its Branch standards.

The Secure Channel is the government's common information technology infrastructure which includes a variety of security services. It provides Canadians and businesses with secure, responsive and private access to all federal government on-line programs and services.

At the time of the OAG audit, a new business case proposing a financial sustainability model was in development. The current Secure Channel contract approved in December 2006 is based on that business case which, upon contract approval, was finalized and formally submitted to TBS in March 2007. Technology and security threats have changed since the initial implementation. TBS and Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) are therefore reviewing the March 2007 business case in light of the evolving security and privacy requirements of the Government of Canada. In particular, there is a need to introduce a wider range of security levels that are better adapted to individual departments' programs and services and continues to protect Canadians.

Should a continued common security service solution still be required in January 2010, the Government of Canada will develop a business case that includes an analysis of costs and benefits and a confirmation of the Government's commitment to use these services. This new business case would be presented to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts by December 31, 2008.

It should be noted that PWGSC provides the government-wide infrastructure for the Secure Channel while specific program transactions enabled by the Secure Channel are the responsibility of the individual departments with TBS having the lead on government-wide policy and performance measurement.

The purpose of the Departmental Performance Report (DPR) is to report against the Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP). The RPP outlines the program activities and related performance indicators as approved by the Treasury Board. The Treasury Board Secretariat is currently working on streamlining DPRs and RPPs with view to reducing the amount of general operational data in order to improve the clarity and focus of these reports Therefore PWGSC will provide the following information in a separate report to the Public Accounts Committee in October 2008:

• number of government organizations using Secure Channel network services;
• number of ePass issued to businesses and Canadian individuals;
• number of secure channel transactions for each program government organizations make available online using the Secure Channel ePass service, number of programs which use ePass, number of secure channel ePass transactions processed and per transaction cost; and
• Secure Channel percent capacity use by Secure Channel service.

Note also, that in keeping with TBS practice, we will also link the above information report to the upcoming PWGSC DPR which will be posted on the TBS website following the tabling of this Government Response in the House of Commons.

The information report will be updated annually and linked to future PWGSC DPRs as long as a common security service solution continues to exist.

3.72 - PWGSC should:

• Take reasonable steps to determine whether any similar cases to the one described above have occurred and to ensure appropriate action has been taken;
• Investigate the circumstances surrounding this particular case in order to ensure that any lessons that can be learned are understood and acted upon; and
• Monitor the implementation of the instructions to provide management with assurance that they are being complied with and apply these instructions throughout the Department.

3.81 - PWGSC should ensure that it reports all task authorizations as they are issued.

National Security: Intelligence and Information Sharing

The objective of this audit was to determine whether the government has made satisfactory progress in implementing the recommendation from the section "Independent reviews of security and intelligence agencies", in our November 2003 Report, Chapter 10, Other Audit Observations, and selected recommendations from the March 2004 Report, Chapter 3, National Security in Canada – The 2001 Anti-Terrorism Initiative.

The scope for this follow-up audit was to determine if satisfactory progress has been made concerning our 2003 and 2004 recommendations in the period from March 2004 to September 2008.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_01_e_32288.html

Public Service Commission of Canada

Government-wide audit of executive (EX) appointments

The objective of the audit was to determine whether appointments and appointment processes to and within the Executive Group complied with the PSEA, other governing authorities and policies, the instrument of delegation signed with the PSC and the appointment values, which form the foundation of the policies and the delegation.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/rcmp-grc/index-eng.htm

Audit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – appointments under the Public Service Employment Act

The objective of the audit was to determine the extent to which public service appointments and appointment processes made by the RCMP under the PSEA comply with the Act, other governing authorities and policies, and the instruments of delegation signed with the Public Service Commission (PSC). The audit also sought to determine whether the RCMP has an appropriate management framework, systems and practices in place to manage its staffing.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/rcmp-grc/index-eng.htm

Follow up audit of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP

The objectives of this follow-up audit were to determine whether the CPC had responded adequately to our recommendations from the October 2005 PSC audit report and to determine whether the CPC had met the essential elements identified by the PSC to support the implementation of the current Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), which came into force on December 31, 2005.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/rcmp2-grc2/index-eng.htm

1) 2008 May OAG report.

Chapter 3-Oversight of Air Transportation Safety-Transport Canada

The objective of this audit was to determine the extent to which Transport Canada is effectively managing the transition to a safety oversight approach based on safety management systems (SMS). The Department agrees with all of the recommendations found in the audit. The report may be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_03_e_30699.html#hd3a

2) Chapter 6-Conservation of Federal Official Residences

The objective of this audit was to determine whether the federal government has adopted the management practices required for the conservation of its official residences. This audit was carried out at the same time as the quinquennial special examination of the National Capital Commission that we conducted in 2007. The National Capital Commission published the report on that special examination in November 2007. Examination work was carried out at Transport Canada, but there were no recommendations made to the department. The report may be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_06_e_30702.html

3) Chapter 8-Special Examinations of Crown Corporations-An Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the special examination practice drawn from the special examinations carried out between December 2002 and February 2008 and the impact of legislative and other changes since December 2000 when the OAG last reported to Parliament on the special examination practice. Finally, summaries of the key findings are provided of the 11 special examinations reported since January 2006. The following Crown Corporations under Transport Canada's portfolio were examined:

• The Atlantic Pilotage Authority
• Blue Water Bridge Authority
• Canada Lands Company Limited
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
• National Capital Commission

The report may be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_08_e_30704.html

4) 2009 March Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada

Chapter 1-National Security: Intelligence and Information Sharing

This status report examined the progress made since 2004 by 14 departments and agencies in their management and sharing of intelligence information, including the interoperability of their systems to support information sharing.Transport Canada agrees with the recommendations directed at the department. The report may be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_01_e_32288.html

5) Chapter 2-The Governor in Council Appointment Process

The chapter examined the federal government's process for making Governor in Council appointments to Crown corporations, small federal entities, and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. It examined the extent of progress made in implementing recommendations on the appointment process from our 2000 and 2005 reports on Crown corporation governance. The following entities under Transport Canada's portfolio were included in the audit:

• Atlantic Pilotage Authority Canada
• Blue Water Bridge Authority
• Canada Lands Company Limited
• Canada Post Corporation
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
• Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Canada
• Laurentian Pilotage Authority Canada
• Marine Atlantic Inc.
• National Capital Commission
• Pacific Pilotage Authority Canada
• Parc Downsview Park Inc.
• Ridley Terminals Inc.
• Royal Canadian Mint
• The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited
• Via Rail Canada Inc.
• Canadian Transportation Agency
• Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund
• Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
• Transportation Safety Board of Canada

There were no recommendations made to the department. The report may be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200903_02_e_32289.html

6) 2008 December Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Chapter 1-Managing Air Emissions

The CESD examined a Pollution Prevention Plan implemented under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to manage acrylonitrile, a substance used to manufacture synthetic rubber and other products. The audit examined how Environment Canada manages regulations governing gasoline and diesel fuel content, as well as regulations that limit the flow of gasoline during refuelling of vehicles at the pump. It also looked at the Clean Air and Climate Change Trust Fund and the Public Transit Tax Credit, two economic measures intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Both were included in the government's Climate Change Plan, issued in response to the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act. Finally, it examined three of the federal government's voluntary agreements, two of which involved Transport Canada with industry associations that were intended to reduce emissions that contribute to smog and climate change. Although there were two recommendations directed at the department, the voluntary agreements examined meet many of the requirements. The report can be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_01_e_31818.html

Chapter 5-Annual Report on Environmental Petitions

The Commissioner reports annually on the quantity, nature, and status of petitions received and on the timeliness of departmental responses. This chapter contains this year's annual report on petitions. Between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008 Transport Canada received eleven petitions, all of which were responded to 100% on-time, with no extensions. The report may be found at the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_200812_05_e_31822.html

Public Service Commission

1) Government-wide audit of executive (EX) appointments (October, 2008)

The audit focused on executive appointments made within the first year of implementation of the PSEA, from January to December 2006, and included 100% of appointment processes of executives at levels four and five (which includes assistant deputy ministers), and 50% of executives at levels one to three (which includes directors and directors general).

Transport Canada was highlighted as a noteworthy practice as having had well-developed human resources plans in 2006, which it used in the appointment process. Out of eight appointments, the department had only two non-advertised, neither of which had been acting. The report may be found at the following link: http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/adt-vrf/rprt/2008/ex/index-eng.htm#toc1

Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, RE: Infrastructure.  WD officials agreed to get back to the Committee with the answers to the following questions:

• Has any infrastructure money been directly or indirectly given to the energy sector in Alberta? -  The energy sector has not benefitted directly from WD's municipal infrastructure funding; however, the sector may benefit indirectly via the funding of local roads.
• Could you inform the Committee of the status of the Community Development Trust Agreements?  Has the money been disbursed? - As of June 30, 2009, the Province of BC has provided $115.6M through the $129M Community Development Trust Agreement. (http://www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/)

Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development entity plan summary chapter of Application of Canadian Environmental Assessment Act - no recommendations were received relating to WD.