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Table 2: User Fees
| User Fee | Fee Type | Fee-setting Authority | Date Last Modified | 2008-09 | Planning Years | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forecast Revenue |
Actual Revenue |
Full Cost |
Performance Standards 1 |
Performance Result 1 |
Fiscal Year |
Forecast Revenue |
Estimated Full Cost |
||||
| Ocean Disposal Permit Application Fees | R | Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), ss. 135(1); Disposal at Sea Regulations | 2001 | 200.0 | 220.0 | 1,021.0 | Each application is reviewed according to Schedule 6 of CEPA 1999 and the Disposal at Sea Regulations. This involves public notice, an application that provides detailed data, scientific review and payment of fees. Each permit is published in the Canada Gazette about 120 days after applying when the application is complete and there are no concerns on the part of other stakeholders. Under the terms of the permit fee, Environment Canada is committed to annual client meetings to review monitoring plans, conduct representative disposal site monitoring according to national guidelines, produce an annual report on activity, produce a financial summary of revenues, expenses and value for clients, and report results of monitoring to the Office for the London Convention. |
Met service standards.
Applications were reviewed within the 120-day timeframe. Advice was provided to applicants to assist in timely permit reviews. Monitoring plans were reviewed with key clients. Disposal site monitoring was conducted and reported. For more information, go to www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/. |
2009-10 | 200.0 | 1,021.0 |
| 2010-11 | 200.0 | 1,021.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 200.0 | 1021.0 | |||||||||
| Ocean Disposal Site Monitoring Fees | R | Financial Administration Act, para. 19.1(a); Ocean Dumping Permit Fee Regulations (Site Monitoring) | 2001 | 1,400.0 | 1,078.7 | 1,150.0 | The permittee has access to a permitted site and the ability to dispose of 1000 m3 of dredged or excavated material for each $470 paid. The collected revenue is used by the Disposal at Sea Program to operate a representative national disposal site monitoring program that allows the client group as a whole to continue to have access to suitable disposal sites and demonstrates that the resource is used sustainably for the Canadian public. | Met the service standards. Permittees disposed of dredged and excavated material according to their permits. Representative monitoring was carried out in accordance with monitoring guidelines. | 2009-10 | 1,600.0 | 1,300.0 |
| 2010-11 | 1,600.0 | 1,300.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 1,600.0 | 1,300.0 | |||||||||
| New Substances Notification | R |
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, s.
328, New Substances Fees |
2009 | 327.0 | 513.5 | 3,700.0 | All notifications are reviewed and decisions taken within the prescribed timeframes. Requests are acknowledged by letter, email or fax within 10 business days of receipt. | All New Substances Notifications are processed and decisions taken within the legislative time period. Requests made by letter, email or fax are responded to 95 percent of the time within 10 days. | 2009-10 | 400.0 | 2,200 |
| 2010-11 | 400.0 | 2,200 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 400.0 | 2,201 | |||||||||
| Migratory Bird Program: Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit | R | Migratory Bird Convention Act, 1994, s. 12; Migratory Bird Regulations C.R.C., c.1035 | 1998 (SOR/98-314) | 2,006.0 | 1,628.6 | 960.0 |
Hunting permits are sold for $8.50 at Canada Post
Corporation (CPC) outlets, and selected provincial and
private vendors from August 1 to March 10. The
performance standard is to ensure adequate numbers of
permits are available for distribution within that
timeframe.
Permits validated by the Habitat Conservation Stamp are mandatory for migratory game bird hunting. The hunter and/or his or her representative must go to a vendor that sells the permit. The permit is bought on the spot; therefore, the service standard is that the hunter can get a hunting permit upon request. People purchasing the permit should receive one within minutes of completing the transaction. The permit fee was increased by $5.00 in 1998. |
99.9 percent of permits were available to meet hunter demand within the specified time period. All permits that were purchased were delivered within minutes of purchase. There is an average of four to five complaints each year that permits were not available from CPC because the CPC outlet did not order more stock. Problems such as this are rectified by CPC within two days. | 2009-10 | 1,700.0 | 960.0 |
| 2010-11 | 1,700.0 | 960.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 1,700.0 | 960.0 | |||||||||
| Migratory Bird Program: Habitat Conservation Stamp | R | Migratory Bird Convention Act, 1994, s. 12; Migratory Bird Regulations | 1991 | 2,200.0 | 1,686.1 | 2,200.0 |
Conservation Stamps are sold for $8.50 each and must be
affixed to the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit to
validate it. The performance standard is to ensure
adequate numbers of stamps are available for
distribution at Canada Post Corporation (CPC) outlets,
and selected provincial and private vendors from August
1 to March 10. Stamps are also sold as
collectables through CPC offices and vendors selected
by Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC). People may not
purchase a permit without the stamp pre-affixed to it;
therefore, the hunter and/or his or her representative
must go to a vendor that sells the permit. The permit
is bought on the spot; thus, the service standard is
that the hunter receives a wildlife stamp affixed to
the permit. People purchasing the permit should receive
the stamp within minutes of doing the transaction.
For collectors: Stamps bought from CPC may be purchased by mail order, telephone and fax, and at selected CPC outlets, and require a two-week processing period. Stamps bought from WHC-selected vendors may be ordered in person, by telephone and through mail order. Processing time is two weeks if not bought in person. Stamp fees increased by $1.00 in 1991. |
Enough stamps to meet hunter and collector demands were
available for purchase within the specified time
period. Stamps bought from CPC by mail order, telephone
and fax, and at selected CPC outlets were processed
within the two-week processing period. Stamps bought
from WHC-selected vendors, either in person or by
telephone or mail order, were processed within the
two-week processing period.
No complaints were received that stamps were unavailable. |
2009-10 | 1,800.0 | 2,200.0 |
| 2010-11 | 1,800.0 | 2,200.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 1,800.0 | 2,200.0 | |||||||||
| Migratory Bird Program: avicultural permits, taxidermist permits and eiderdown permits | R | Migratory Bird Convention Act, 1994, s. 12; Migratory Bird Regulations | Prior to 1978 | 8.2 | 0.7 | 34.0 | These permits are issued by Environment Canada regional offices for a fee of $10.00 each after reviewing applications from the public. To be successful, there are requirements that must be met, described in the Canadian Wildlife Service Permit Policy: for example, with respect to aviculture, applicants must demonstrate that they will do wing-cliping or keep the birds in an enclosure to prevent mixing with wild populations. Each region may attach specific conditions to each permit. Permits generally expire on December 31 of the year issued. The performance standard is to review all applications received and issue permits or notify applicants of the reasons a permit is denied within 30 days of receiving the application. | All applications were processed within the 30-day timeframe, unless site inspections were required. In those cases (10 percent of all the applications), an additional 30 days were required to process the application. | 2009-10 | 8.2 | 34.0 |
| 2010-11 | 8.2 | 34.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 8.2 | 34.0 | |||||||||
| Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: Permit Sales | R | Canada Wildlife Act, s. 12; Canada Wildlife Act. Area Regulations | 2001 | 190.0 | 97.4 | 152.1 | To add to the enjoyment of hunters during the hunting season at Cap Tourmente, facilities are well maintained, with well-groomed trails and rest areas, adequate parking and sufficient washroom facilities, etc. These facilities are necessary to meet the needs of hunters, ensure that they have an enjoyable time and encourage them to return in future years. | According to a survey conducted with hunters in 2005, there is a great deal of satisfaction with the quality and condition of the facilities. | 2009-10 | 190.0 | 225.0 |
| 2010-11 | 190.0 | 225.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 190.0 | 225.0 | |||||||||
| Fees charged for the processing of access requests filed under the Access to Information Act | O | Access to Information Act, ss. 11(1) and para. 77(1)d); Access to Information Regulations | 1992 | 13.1 | 13.1 | 1,155.5 |
A response provided within 30days following receipt of
request; the response time may be extended under
section 9 of the Act. A notice of extension must be
sent within 30 days after receipt of the request.
The Act provides further details: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/A-1/218072.html. |
Statutory deadlines were met 83 percent of the time | 2009-10 | 13.5 | 1,155.0 |
| 2010-11 | 14.0 | 1,200.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 14.5 | 1,200.0 | |||||||||
| Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: Entry Sales | O | Canada Wildlife Act, s. 12; Canada Wildlife Area Regulations | 2003 | 231.0 | 152.4 | 338.2 | To add to the enjoyment of visitors during the operating season at Cap Tourmente, facilities are well maintained, with well-groomed trails and rest areas adequate parking and sufficient washroom facilities, etc. These facilities are necessary to meet the needs of visitors, ensure that they have an enjoyable time and encourage them to return in future years. In addition, visitors have access to bilingual reception and interpretative services to help them about the Wildlife Area and answer their questions. | According to feedback received from a number of visitors, there is general satisfaction with the reception and interpretative services, and the quality and condition of the facilities. | 2009-10 | 226.0 | 260.0 |
| 2010-11 | 226.0 | 260.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | 226.0 | 260.0 | |||||||||
| Sub-Total (R) | 6,331.2 | 5,225.0 | 9,217.1 |
|
2009-10 | 5,825.2 | 8,419.0 | ||||
| 2010-2011 | 5,825.2 | 8,419.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-2012 | 5,825.2 | 8,419.0 | |||||||||
| Sub-Total (O) | 244.1 | 165.5 | 1,493.7 |
|
2009-10 | 239.5 | 1,415.0 | ||||
| 2010-2011 | 240.0 | 1,460.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-2012 | 240.5 | 1,460.0 | |||||||||
| Total | 6,575.3 | 5,390.5 | 10,710.7 |
|
2009-10 | 6,064.7 | 9,834.0 | ||||
| 2010-2011 | 6,065.2 | 9,879.0 | |||||||||
| 2011-2012 | 6,065.7 | 9,879.0 | |||||||||
1. Note
According to prevailing legal opinion, when fees were introduced or an associated law or regulation was modified most recently prior to March 31, 2004:
- the performance standard, if provided, may not have received parliamentary review;
- the performance standard, if provided, may not respect all establishment requirements under the User Fees Act (e.g. international comparison; independent complaint address); and
- the performance result, if provided, is not legally subject to section 5.1 of the User Fees Act regarding fee reductions for unachieved performance.
Table 2b: External Fees
| A. External Fee | Service Standard2 | Performance Results3 | Stakeholder Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Services | |||
| Ocean Disposal Permit Application Fees | Under the application fee, each application will be reviewed according to Schedule 6 of CEPA and the Disposal at Sea Regulations. This involves public notice, application that provides detailed data, scientific review and payment of fees. Each permit will be published in the Canada Gazette from about 120 days of applying if the application is complete and there are no issues from other stakeholders. Under the permit fee Environment Canada committed to annual client meetings to review monitoring plans, conduct representative disposal site monitoring according to national guidelines, produce annual report on activity, produce financial summary of revenues, expenses and value for clients, and report results to London Convention office. |
Met service standards. Applications were reviewed
within the 120-day time frame. Advice was provided to
applicants to assist timely permit reviews.
Monitoring plans were reviewed with clients in each region. Disposal site monitoring was conducted and reported. For further details, see www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/ |
Application
fees set in 1993 were rolled over in 2001. Regulatory
Impact Assessment Statement and multi-stakeholder
consultations were conducted before each regulation was
enacted. Multi-stakeholder consultations were carried out
from 1996 to 1998 for setting the permit fee. There was
general acceptance for the fee, but concern for how it
would be set. Permittees indicated that a proportional
volume-based fee was preferred. As well, Environment
Canada committed to regular meetings with permit holders,
reporting, and to review the fee three years after
implementation. The review was done in 2003 and its
report concluded that no change to the fee was needed.
All consultations from 1993 to 2003 involved discussion
papers, public meetings and final reports. For further
details, see www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/ regs/min_reg_g2_e.html |
| Ocean Disposal Site Monitoring Fees | The permittee has access to a permitted site and ability to dispose of 1000 m3 of dredged or excavated material for each $470 paid. The collected revenue is used by the Disposal at Sea Program to operate a representative national disposal site monitoring program. | Met the service standards. Permittees disposed of dredged and excavated material as authorized by their permits. Representative monitoring was carried out in accordance with monitoring guidelines. |
Multi-stakeholder consultations were carried out from
1996 to 1998 for setting the permit fee. There was
general acceptance of the fee, but concern about how it
would be set. Permittees indicated that a proportional
volume-based fee was preferred. As well, Environment
Canada committed to holding regular meetings with permit
holders, reporting and reviewing the fee three years
after implementation. The review was done in 2003 and the
report concluded that no change to the fee was needed.
Further consultations were undertaken from 1993 to 2003
involving discussion papers, public meetings and final
reports. For more information, see www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/ regs/min_reg_g2_e.html. Current consultations are ongoing through a discussion document to examine ways of reducing or improving delivery of the fees. |
| New Substances Notifications | All notifications are reviewed and decisions taken within the prescribed time frames. Requests are acknowledged by letter, e-mail or fax within 10 business days of receipt. | All New Substances Notifications are processed and decisions taken within the legislative time period. Requests made by letter, e-mail or fax are responded to 95 percent of the time within 10 days. | Amendments to the New Substances Notifications Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in September 2005. Under the Service Delivery Improvement Initiative of the New Substances Program, the Service Charter and Standards were developed and published in 2006. As well, a notifier survey was designed in 2004 and implemented to determine areas for improvement in the Program. A second New Substances Program notifier survey will be completed in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The results from both surveys will be used as a benchmark for the Program's improvement initiatives. |
| Migratory Bird Program: Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit |
Hunting permits are sold for $8.50 at Canada Post
Corporation (CPC) outlets, and selected provincial and
private vendors from August 1 until March 10. The
performance standard is to ensure adequate numbers of
permits are available.
Permits validated by the Habitat Conservation Stamp are mandatory for migratory game bird hunting. The hunter and/or his/her representative must physically go to a vendor and purchase a Migratory Bird Hunting Permit (MBHP). Quality service is provided to the clients by vendors of the MBHP. Clients purchasing the permit receive one within minutes of completing the transaction. There are no current discussions for increasing the permit fee. |
99.9 percent of permits were available to meet hunter demand within the specified time period. All permits that were purchased were delivered within minutes of purchase. There was an average of 4-5 complaints in 2008 that permits were not available from CPC because the CPC outlet did not re-order more stock. Environment Canada has rectified this issue by ensuring that CPC and all vendors receive adequate amounts of the 2009 MBHP permits. | No recent consultations have been conducted. The revenues collected from the sale of permits are deposited directly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Program costs incurred by the Department to deliver the permit program come out of the Canadian Wildlife Service A-base budget. No consultations are planned for 2009-2010. |
| Migratory Bird Program: Habitat Conservation Stamp |
The retail value of the Conservation Stamps is $8.50
each. The performance standard is to ensure that
adequate numbers of stamps are available for
distribution at Canada Post Corporation (CPC) offices
and selected provincial and private vendors from August
1 to March 10 of the following year. Stamps are also
sold as collectables through CPC offices and vendors
selected by Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC).
For collectors: Stamps can be purchased from Canada Post and Wildlife Habitat Canada and their selected vendors by mail order, telephone, FAX and at selected CPC offices and require a two-week processing period. There is no current discussion to increase the fee of the stamp. |
Enough stamps to meet hunter and collector demands were
available for purchase within the specified time
period. Stamps bought from CPC by mail order, telephone
or fax, and at selected CPC outlets were processed
within the two-week processing period. Stamps, bought
from WHC and their selected vendors can be purchased in
person, by telephone and mail order, and are processed
within the two-week processing period.
No complaints have been received that stamps were unavailable. |
No consultations are planned for 2009-2010. |
| Migratory Bird Program: avicultural permits, taxidermist permits and eiderdown permits | These permits are issued by Environment Canada regional offices for a fee of $10.00 each after reviewing applications from the public. To be successful, there are requirements that must be met, described in the Canadian Wildlife Service Permit Policy: for example, with respect to aviculture, applicants must demonstrate that they will do wing-cliping or keep the birds in an enclosure to prevent mixing with wild populations. Each region may attach specific conditions to each permit. Permits generally expire on December 31 of the year issued. The performance standard is to review all applications received and issue permits or notify applicants of the reasons a permit is denied within 30 days of receiving the application. | All applications were processed within the 30-day timeframe, unless site inspections were required. In those cases (10 percent of all the applications), an additional 30-60 days were required to process the application. These inspections are the responsibility of Wildlife Enforcement Division so the time frame relates directly to Officer workload. | Since revenues and costs are insignificant, and since no complaints occurred, consultations are not currently planned. |
| Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: Permit Sales | To meet the needs of hunters during the hunting season at Cap Tourmente, make sure that they enjoy their time there and come back in future years, Environment Canada ensures that there are well-maintained facilities, such as good trails, meal areas that are pleasant and appreciated by the hunters, sufficient parking spaces, and toilets. | According to a survey done of permit holders in 2005, the hunters were very satisfied with how well the facilities were maintained. | N/A |
| Information Products | |||
| Hydrometric Data | Services include individually negotiated contracts with provincial and territorial agencies for the provision of hydrometric data. (e.g. water quantity). | Performance results and standards are defined in contracts (e.g. quality control of data). | Consultation is done directly with clients, sometimes in partnership with the provincial representative. The recourse mechanism is defined in the contracts. During negotiations, stakeholders and Environment Canada agree on all terms before the contract is signed. |
| Weather Data | Services include individually negotiated contractual arrangements with a wide variety of users for climate data (e.g. minimum and maximum temperature). Charges are generally for delivery and packaging of data. Some products are delivered via monthly subscription. | Met service standards as established in contract (e.g. quality control). | Consultation is done directly with clients (for contracts) during which the recourse mechanism is defined and client representatives are identified. During negotiations, stakeholders and Environment Canada agree on all terms before the contract is signed. |
| Weather Forecasts and Products | Services include individually negotiated contracts for weather forecasts, products and services (e.g. consultations with meteorologists, graphic or weather products). | All products and services are customized to client needs. Service standards are established under contract. Most products are monitored for accuracy and consistency, and many contractual agreements include access to forecasters and service representatives when problems arise. | Contractual agreements are negotiated with clients. A client representative is identified for recourse and dispute-resolution purposes. Draft standards are being developed for standardized products, such as 1-900 telephone consultation. |
| Scientific and Professional Services | |||
| Laboratory and Other Scientific Services | Services include individually negotiated contracts for tests and/or analysis of crude oil samples and weathered oils, air quality, exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. Environment Canada details in the agreement the service standards. Generally, the Department provides sample bottles (washed and free of contaminants), logs samples and all pertinent field information in the Laboratory Information Management System, carries out all necessary laboratory quality assurance and quality control testing (the lab is accredited by the Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories, under International Organization for Standardization 17025), prepares and submits reports (hard copy or spreadsheet format) on samples submitted, and provides statistical analysis of results. The number of days that the lab has to deliver results varies according to the contract. | All services are customized to client needs. Met service standards as established in contract (standards, methodology and protocols to be followed are described in the contract). Internal control processes are followed, sample results are delivered in a timely manner and discussions are held with clients to ensure that there are no complaints or concerns. Results were delivered within the previously agreed-upon time frame in 100 percent of the contracts. | Consultations are done through contractual agreements negotiated with the clients—clauses on schedule, quantity (e.g. number of samples), cost and standards, methodology and protocols to be followed are included in the contract. Stakeholders and Environment Canada agree on all terms before the contract is signed. Work does not commence until both parties have signed the agreement. |
| Quality Assurance Program | Services include individually negotiated agreements and contracts with provincial, territorial and non-government agencies (i.e. providing all the documentation for quality systems). | All services and products are customized to client needs. Service standards are negotiated in the contract or agreement. | Consultation is done directly with clients (i.e. determining analysis output). The recourse mechanism is defined in existing contracts and agreements, with client representatives identified. |
| Water Management Services | Services include individually negotiated agreements and contracts with provincial, territorial and non-government agencies (i.e. determining the success of the remediation by monitoring concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples). | All services and products are customized to client needs. Service standards are negotiated in the contract or agreement. | Consultations are done directly with clients (i.e. number of samples to be analyzed). The recourse mechanism is defined in existing contracts and agreements, with client representatives identified. |
| Other Products and Services | |||
| Fees charged for the processing of access requests filed under the Access to Information Act |
A response is provided within 30 days following receipt
of request; the response time may be extended under
section 9 of the Act. A notice of extension must be
sent within 30 days after receipt of the request.
The Act provides further details: http://laws.justice.gc.ca |
Environment Canada received 892 requests in 2008-2009 and completed 914 requests, including requests carried over from the previous years. An additional 254 requests were carried over to 2009-2010. | The service standard is established by the Access to Information Act and the Access to Information Regulations. Consultations with stakeholders were undertaken by the Department of Justice Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat on amendments done in 1986 and 1992. |
| B. Other Information: It is the Department's practice to waive fees when the total owing per request amounts to less than $25.00. | |||
| Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: Entry Sales | To meet the needs of visitors during the Cap Tourmente operating season, make sure that their time there is pleasant and that they come back in future years, the facilities are well maintained, with good trails, meal areas that are pleasant and appreciated by the visitors, sufficient parking spaces, and toilets. Also, visitors have access to bilingual visitor and interpretation services, enabling them to learn more about the Cap Tourmente site. | According to comments gathered from some visitors, visitors are generally satisfied with the visitor and interpretation services offered and with how well the facilities are maintained. | No formal consultation was done this year. A suggestion box is available on the site, so that visitors can submit their comments and suggestions. For the planning of student visits, meetings are sometimes held in advance with teachers, in order that their expectations concerning the information disseminated and how the visits will unfold may be taken into account. |
| Entry Fees: Biosphère (Montréal) | Throughout the year, visitors to the Biosphère have access to visitor services and interpretation services in the exhibition halls, guided activities on various environmental subjects and educational workshops designed especially for groups, as well as maintained facilities (exhibition halls, rest areas, lookouts, parking, etc.) | According to visitors' written comments, which are gathered daily, and evaluation sheets completed by group leaders, a majority of visitors are very satisfied with their individual or group visit experience, and with the other services. | When a group visits, the group leader (e.g. the teacher) must complete an assessment of the services received. For visits by individuals, a sample survey is done about every three years. |
| Haying and Grazing (Canadian Wildlife Service Agricultural Activity) |
A standing request list ("Notice of Interest") is
searched to identify applicants interested in the
activity (e.g. haying, grazing, crop). If no interest
is shown, then a call for applications is made through
ads in local papers or other suitable means. Interested
persons are asked to fill out a Canadian Wildlife
Service (CWS) agricultural activity application form.
Application forms are reviewed to determine the most
suitable candidate and a reference check of the
candidate(s) is conducted.
The current CWS agricultural permit application form was developed in 1984, based on the Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food permit process. It was revised in 1988 in response to drought conditions. Permits are issued for a period of less than one year and expire on December 31 of the year issued. The fee structure for haying and grazing is based on the current rates used by Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food to ensure "equal service for equal fee" between departments is achieved. |
Federal lands are monitored to ensure permit conditions are being met and habitat management goals (e.g. maintain native plant community and habitat for wildlife and reduce weed and exotic species invasion) are achieved through the activity. If so, the permit will be granted in subsequent years (subject to annual review). |
The most suitable applicant is contacted to confirm his
or her interest in obtaining a permit. Discussions are
held to ensure the applicant understands and agrees to
all conditions that will be on the permit. It is also
ensured that the applicant understands the permit is
only for one season, and that if any conditions of the
permit are not followed, the permit may be immediately
revoked by the Minister.
Prospective grazing patrons must also submit a grazing plan, which is reviewed and refined as required. Changes are reviewed with the patron to make sure they understand and agree with the final grazing plan and permit conditions. |
| National Pollutant Release Inventory Workshops and Seminars | The number of workshops and their length (i.e. half-day, full-day) is determined by the changes in the program each year. The changes in the program influence the needs of the participants (e.g. no changes means a moderate interest in workshops; a large amount of change generates a high interest in workshops). Therefore, a high volume of requests from participants through phone, e-mail, etc., indicates a significant need for workshops. Environment Canada assumes that 80 percent of the participants will be satisfied with the workshops, which takes into account the fact that some participants are looking for more detail while others are looking for less detail. The Department tries to rectify this by offering two types of workshops, one for experienced reporters and another for inexperienced reporters; however, some participants can only attend based on date and availability and, as a result, end up in a workshop that does not provide them with full satisfaction. As of the 2007-2008 fiscal year, participants are no longer charged for attending these workshops and seminars. | An 80 percent satisfaction rate was registered from the survey. | Participants provided input on course material, course delivery and facilities through the evaluation sheet handed out at the end of workshop. Areas of improvement were identified from participants' feedback from the survey. A report is also compiled from the survey and submitted to headquarters. |
| Sable Island Logistical Support Fees |
Logistical support fees are charged to visitors to
Sable Island for such things as aircraft landing, fuel,
accommodations and access to food supplies, etc.
Recovery of costs is for work performed on the island
for various projects.
Specific fees are included in the Canadian Coast Guard's Visitors Guide provided to clients when they initially request permission to visit. |
Operational groups that work on Sable Island are satisfied with the services they receive and the subsequent fees that are charged. All fees are derived by computing the true costs of delivering the service(s). Fees are presented to clients in a very transparent manner so that they are fully aware of which service they are paying for and the associated cost. Some short-term visitors have expressed their unhappiness with the costs, due to their limited resources. Again, these fees are supported by the fact that they reflect the true costs of delivering the service(s). Close to 95 percent of clients were satisfied in 2008-2009. | Fees are calculated on a strict cost-recovery basis; Environment Canada is not generating a profit. Stakeholders are advised of logistical fees in advance of using services on Sable Island. |
| Publications and Publication Services |
Most publications are provided free of charge. Some
publications are sold to cover the printing costs of
the Publications Section and to underwrite the cost of
production (translation, editing, design and layout).
Publications are promoted through various vehicles and tools, including online catalogues, conferences, trade fairs, promotional flyers, and the Canada Gazette. Clients include departments, corporations, institutions, as well as the public. Orders are received online via an ordering site or by phone, e-mail and fax. Each order is treated chronologically, and an order-tracking system is in place. Orders are categorized by priority, with those involving legal statutes, ministerial enquiries and rush orders being treated as high priorities. Turn-around time for individual orders (invoicing, packaging and shipping) is within three to five working days. The packaging and shipping is done at a dedicated facility (Distribution Centre, 151 Jean-Proux, Gatineau QC K1A 0H3). Items are shipped by Canada Post for the most part, unless the client chooses alternative means, in which the Department fully recovers the associated costs. In addition to sending publications out by mail, publications are also distributed through government libraries, electronic distribution, and conferences. |
The online ordering set-up has a built-in tracking
system. For audit purposes, all supporting
documentation (purchase orders, requests, etc.) is
attached to the invoice. Most items are prepaid, with
the exception of purchases by other government
departments and Canadian companies that are set up for
purchase orders. For international orders, Environment
Canada asks for prepayment before shipping the items in
an effort to prevent having to recover small amounts at
year-end.
The only delays experienced in the past involved reprinting. The online order tracking system allows Environment Canada staff to view the orders, post invoices, and work order and shipping information, and to chronologically list all correspondence with the client. Items are categorized as PENDING, PROCESSING and COMPLETED, and are viewed daily to make sure that all orders are completed in a timely fashion. |
Clients may call the 1-800 number to voice concerns and complaints. |
2. Note
As established in the Policy on Service Standards for External Fees:
As established in the Policy on Service Standards for External Fees:
- service standards may not have received parliamentary review; and
- service standards may not respect all performance standard establishment requirements under the User Fees Act (e.g. international comparison; independent complaint address).
3. Note
Performance results are not legally subject to section 5.1 of the User Fees Act regarding fee reductions for unachieved performance.
