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2008-09
Departmental Performance Report
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Supplementary Information (Tables)
Table of Contents
- Sources of Respendable and Non-respendable Revenue
- User Fees/External Fees
- Details on Transfer Payments Programs
- Sustainable Development Strategy
- Response to Parliamentary Committees and External Audits
- Internal Audits and Evaluations
Table 1: Sources of Non-respendable Revenue
The table illustrates revenue and provides an historical perspective. Revenue consists primarily of repayments of repayable contributions awarded by the Agency.1
| Program activity (in thousands of dollars) |
Actual revenue 2006-2007 | Actual revenue 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Estimate | Planned revenue | Total authorities | Actual revenue | |||
| Development of communities | ||||||
| ■ Repayable contributions | — | 8,196 | 5,000 | 5,000 | — | 6,153 |
| ■ All other revenue2 | — | 563 | — | — | — | 1,003 |
| Infrastructure | ||||||
| ■ Repayable contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ■ All other revenue2 | — | 43 | — | — | — | 6 |
| Special intervention measures | ||||||
| ■ Repayable contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ■ All other revenue2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Competitiveness of enterprises (SMEs) | ||||||
| ■ Repayable contributions | — | 40,769 | 34,500 | 34,500 | — | 41,365 |
| ■ All other revenue2 | — | 1,982 | — | — | — | 2,756 |
| Competitive positioning of sectors and regions | ||||||
| ■ Repayable contributions | — | 1,995 | 4,000 | 4,000 | — | 1,347 |
| ■ All other revenue2 | — | 331 | — | — | — | 218 |
| Policies, programs and initiatives | ||||||
| ■ Repayable contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ■ All other revenue2 | — | 27 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Total non-respendable revenue | ||||||
| 50,211 | 53,906 | 43,500 | 43,500 | — | 52,853 | |
Notes:
1 This table is presented in line with the new Program Activity Architecture. Actual revenue from 2006-2007 has not been categorized.
2 All other revenue includes refunds of prior year expenditures, adjustments to prior year accruals, service fees, proceeds from the disposal of Crown assets, interest revenues and other miscellaneous revenues.
Table 2a: User Fees Act
The table presents revenue and user fees costs.
User fee: fees may be charged under the Access to Information Act.
Fee type: other products and services
Fee-setting authority: Access to Information Act
Date last modified: 2000
Performance standard: response must be provided within 30 days following receipt of request. Pursuant to section 9 of the Act, the response time may be extended; notice of extension must then be sent within 30 days after receipt of request. Further details on the Access to Information Act can be found at: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/A_1/index.html.
Performance results:
(in thousands of dollars)
| 2008-2009 | Planning years | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planned revenue | Actual revenue | Full cost | Fiscal year | Planned revenue | Estimated full cost |
| 0.2 | 0.1 | 66.1 | 2009-2010 | 0.2 | 67.0 |
| 2010-2011 | 0.2 | 68.0 | |||
| 2011-2012 | 0.2 | 69.0 | |||
Other information: N/A
Table 2b: Policy on Service Standards for User Fees
In line with the Policy on service standards for user fees, the table presents the latest performance results and main events or plans regarding stakeholder consultation.
| User fee | Service standard1 | Performance result2 | Stakeholder consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees charged for processing access requests submitted to the Agency under the Access to Information Act | Response must be provided within 30 days following receipt of request. Pursuant to section 9 of the Act, the response time may be extended in certain situations; notice of extension must then be sent to the applicant within 30 days after receipt of request. Further details on the Access to Information Act can be found at: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/A_1/index.html. | Response given to 53% of requests within the normal 30-day timeframe. With respect to 26% of requests, response time was extended pursuant to section 9 of the Act, and in all those cases the applicants were notified. |
The Access to Information Act establishes the service standard, in particular by setting processing times. |
Other information:
Some access requests may be processed informally, and that no fee is charged in such cases.
Notes:
1 Pursuant to the Policy on Service Standards for User Fees:
- Performance standards may not have received parliamentary review.
- Service standards may not respect all performance standard establishment requirements under the User Fees Act (e.g. international comparison; independent complaint address).
2 Performance results are not legally subject to section 5.1 of the User Fees Act regarding fee reductions for unachieved performance.
Table 5: Details of Transfer Payment Programs (TPP)
1) Program activity: Development of communities
2) Name of program: Community Diversification (voted item)
Description:
This program helps Quebec regions maintain and develop their economic activity base. A community’s vitality depends on its ability to develop, grow and thrive by building on its own assets.
This program has three objectives:
- foster communities’ development and increase their mobilization by drawing up visions and projects of local and regional scope
- assist communities through support for entrepreneurship and through creation or maintenance of viable enterprises
- increase communities’ capability to attract tourists and skilled individuals.
3) Start date: April 1, 2007
4) End date: March 31, 2012
5) Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base
6) Results achieved:
- Communities are pursuing a development vision and implementing resulting initiatives.
- Enterprises are contributing to community economic growth and maintenance.
- Communities are recognized for their distinctiveness, brand image and outreach.
| (in thousands of dollars) | 7) Actual expenditures1 2006-2007 |
8) Actual expenditures 2007-2008 | 9) Planned spending 2008-2009 | 10) Total authorities 2008-2009 | 11) Actual expenditures 2008-2009 | 12) Variance between 9) and 11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13) Program activity: Development of communities |
||||||
| 14) Grants | — | 60 | 600 | 288 | 22 | (578) |
| 14) Contributions | — | 75,160 | 64,182 | 67,685 | 67,685 | 3,503 |
| 15) Program activity total | — | 75,220 | 64,782 | 67,973 | 67,707 | 2,925 |
16) Comments on variance:
The variance between planned spending and total authorities is primarily attributable to the funding received during the year for the Social Economy Initiative in Quebec ($2.9 million).
17) Significant audit findings and URL to latest audit(s):
Audit of compliance with contractual linguistic obligations by designated Business Development Centres and Community Futures Development Corporations.
Electronic link: www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/audit/115/about.html
Management audit of Canada Economic Development business offices
Electronic link: www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/index.html
Note:
1 This table is presented in line with the new Program Activity Architecture. Actual revenue from 2006-2007 has not been categorized.
1) Program activities:
Competitiveness of enterprises (SMEs)
Competitive positioning of sectors and regions
2) Name of program: Business and Regional Growth (voted item)
Description:
This program reinforces conditions conducive to the sustainable growth of regions and SMEs, and has three objectives:
- help enterprises improve their performance, become more competitive and engage in more innovation to facilitate their sustainable development
- support the transfer of technology and research outputs to enterprises
- create the right conditions to attract foreign investment and international organizations.
3) Start date: April 1, 2007
4) End date: March 31, 2012
5) Strategic outcome: Presence of conditions favourable to sustainable growth and the competitive positioning of SMEs and regions
6) Results achieved:
- Assisted enterprises are using their strategic capabilities.
- Products and services derived from R&D are being commercialized.
- New enterprises and strategic capital investments are consolidating the economic base of the regions.
- Competitiveness poles are being developed and consolidated.
- Clusters and networks of enterprises in the same sector or region are better structured.
- The innovation commercialization process is generating medium- and long-range social and economic spinoffs.
- Competitive regions are attracting direct foreign investment and international organizations.
| (in thousands of dollars) | 7) Actual expenditures 1 2006-2007 |
8) Actual expenditures 2007-2008 | 9) Planned spending 2008-2009 | 10) Total authorities 2008-2009 | 11) Actual expenditures 2008-2009 | 12) Variance between 9) and 11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13) Program activity: Competitiveness of enterprises (SMEs) | ||||||
| 14) Grants | — | — | 100 | 100 | — | (100) |
| 14) Contributions | — | 53,642 | 64,960 | 40,432 | 40,432 | (24,528) |
| 15) Program activity total | — | 53,642 | 65,060 | 40,532 | 40,432 | (24,628) |
| 13) Program activity: Competitive positioning of sectors and regions | ||||||
| 14) Grants | — | — | 100 | 100 | — | (100) |
| 14) Contributions | — | 38,431 | 38,166 | 29,191 | 29,191 | (8,975) |
| 15) Program activity total | — | 38,431 | 38,266 | 29,291 | 29,191 | (9,075) |
| 15) Program activities total | — | 92,073 | 103,326 | 69,823 | 69,623 | (33,703) |
16) Comments on variance:
The variance between planned spending and actual expenditures is attributable to the fact that, in the economic downturn, enterprises put their investment projects on hold, using fewer program resources than expected. It was decided to reallocate the funding for Competitiveness of enterprises (SMEs) and Competitive positioning of sectors and regions. Thus, additional investment was made in infrastructure projects and economic diversification of communities.
17) Significant audit findings and URL to latest audit(s):
Management audit of Canada Economic Development business offices Electronic link: www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/index.html
1) Program activity: Development of communities
2) Name of program: Community Futures Program (CFP) (voted item)
Description:
This Canada-wide program provides support for communities in all parts of the country to help them take charge of their own local economic development. In Quebec, the CFP financially supports 57 Community Futures Development Corporations, as well as 15 Community Economic Development Corporations and ten Business Development Centres.
3) Start date: May 18, 1995
4) End date: October 2, 2010
5) Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base
6) Results achieved:
- Communities are pursuing a development vision and implementing resulting initiatives.
- Enterprises are contributing to community economic growth and maintenance.
| (in thousands of dollars) | 7) Actual expenditures 2006-2007 | 8) Actual expenditures 2007-2008 | 9) Planned spending 2008-2009 | 10) Total authorities 2008-2009 | 11) Actual expenditures 2008-2009 | 12) Variance between 9) and 11) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13) Program activity: Development of communities | |||||||
| 14) Grants | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 14) Contributions | 34,263 | 40,206 | 32,000 | 41,733 | 41,733 | 9,733 | |
| 15) Program activity total | 34,263 | 40,206 | 32,000 | 41,733 | 41,733 | 9,733 | |
16) Comments on variance:
The variance between planned spending and actual expenditures is attributable to the fact that additional investment was made under this program, including the establishment of the Business Support Fund, making it possible to continue catering to SMEs’ needs in these hard economic times.
17) Significant audit findings and URL to latest audit(s): N/A
1) Program activity: Infrastructure
2) Name of program: Infrastructure Canada Program – Canada-Quebec Agreement 2000 (voted item)
Description:
Within the framework of the pan-Canadian Infrastructure Program under Treasury Board Secretariat responsibility, a Canada-Quebec Agreement was signed in October 2000. The objective of this agreement was to upgrade urban and rural municipal infrastructure in the province and improve Quebecers’ quality of life. The Agency acts on behalf of the Government of Canada as the federal department responsible for implementation in Quebec. This agreement was amended in July 2005 to postpone to March 31, 2009 the deadline for disbursements. Since December 2005, under the terms of the agreement, no more new projects may be approved under the program.
3) Start date: October 2000
4) End date: March 31, 2011
5) Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base
6) Result achieved:
- Rural and urban communities have quality public infrastructure.
| (in thousands of dollars) | 7) Actual expenditures 2006-2007 | 8) Actual expenditures 2007-2008 | 9) Planned spending 2008-2009 | 10) Total authorities 2008-2009 | 11) Actual expenditures 2008-2009 | 12) Variance between 9) and 11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13) Program activity: Infrastructure | ||||||
| 14) Grants | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 14) Contributions | 91,117 | 46,032 | 24,448 | 50,018 | 50,018 | 25,570 |
| 15) Program activity total | 91,117 | 46,032 | 24,448 | 50,018 | 50,018 | 25,570 |
16) Comments on variance:
The variance between planned spending and actual expenditures is attributable to the fact that actual expenditures depend on progress in completion of infrastructure projects. The Government of Quebec is responsible for management of infrastructure projects.
17) Significant audit findings and URL to latest audit(s):
Internal audit of the Infrastructure Canada Program
Electronic link: www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/index.html
External audit of Canada-Quebec Agreement relative to the Infrastructure Program
Electronic link: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/index.html
1) Program activity: Development of communities
2) Name of program: Grant to the Québec Port Authority for the 400th anniversary of Québec in 2008 (voted item)
Description:
The project is the Government of Canada’s legacy to Québec in commemoration of its 400th anniversary in 2008. It includes three major initiatives:
- developing the Baie de Beauport nautical park with a view to reinforcing its vocation as a year-round activity site while preserving and enhancing the quality of the environment
- redeveloping Pointe-à-Carcy with a view to improving the port interface and developing the site’s public spaces and waterfront
- developing Brown Basin into a public park with a view to highlighting the traces of the past and improving access to the river.
3) Start date: November 1, 2005
4) End date: September 30, 2008
5) Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base
6) Result achieved:
- Communities are recognized for their distinctiveness, brand image and outreach.
| (in thousands of dollars) | 7) Actual expenditures 2006-2007 | 8) Actual expenditures 2007-2008 | 9) Planned spending 2008-2009 | 10) Total authorities 2008-2009 | 11) Actual expenditures 2008-2009 | 12) Variance between 9) and 11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13) Program activity: Development of communities | ||||||
| 14) Grants | 10,350 | 25,000 | 9,750 | 9,750 | 9,750 | — |
| 14) Contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 15) Program activity total | 10,350 | 25,000 | 9,750 | 9,750 | 9,750 | — |
16) Comments on variance: No variance
17) Significant audit findings and URL to latest audit(s): N/A
Note:
1 This table is presented in line with the new Program Activity Architecture. Actual revenue from 2006-2007 has not been categorized.
Table 8: Sustainable Development Strategy
The Sustainable Development Strategy 2007-2010 (SDS) is an integral part of the Agency’s strategic directions for 2006-2011. This SDS, the Agency’s fourth, is built around activities associated with its mandate and around its operations. Also designed to be compatible with the federal approach to sustainable development, the Agency's action plan for 2007-2010 targets goals shared by all federal agencies and departments, and goals specific to its own mandate.
In 2008-2009, the Agency set up a Sustainable Development Committee, with representation from different branches. The committee’s mandate is to draw up sustainable development strategies; its members promote them in their respective areas, and contribute to their implementation. A diagnostic tool and materials for providing training in sustainable development have been developed and are ready to be used to help Agency employees develop skills in guiding clientele with respect to sustainable development.
In 2008-2009, the Agency used the performance indicators specific to sustainable development to measure the commitments of its strategy. These indicators were used to account for the number and type of projects associated with sustainable development for 2008-2009. Also, the Agency now has a specific section devoted to sustainable development on its Intranet, bringing the relevant information together in one place.
The Agency was able to fund 88 projects in connection with sustainable development. The following tables present commitments and achievements for 2008-2009 under the Sustainable Development Strategy.
- SDS Agency goal: Reinforce governance and decision-making to support sustainable development (SD).
- Government of Canada SD goal including greening government operations (GGO) goals:
- sustainable communities
| 3. Expected results in 2008-2009 | 4. Supporting performance measurements | 5. Agency results achieved in 2008-2009 |
|---|---|---|
| SDS commitments are integrated in decision-making processes as early as the planning stage. | Review of departmental commitments contained in plans | Sustainable development will be integrated in the planning process from 2009-2010 to 2011-2012. |
| Clear, effective governance mechanisms integrate sustainable development in the decision-making process. | Annual plan for monitoring the commitments in the fourth SDS approved by senior management as well as progress of results. | The Sustainable Development Committee was set up in 2008-2009. Different Agency branches are represented on it. |
- SDS Agency goal: Continue empowering personnel with respect to sustainable development.
- Government of Canada SD goal including GGO goals: None
| Expected results in 2008-2009 | 4. Supporting performance measurements | 5. Agency results achieved in 2008-2009 |
|---|---|---|
| A sustainable development diagnostic tool will be set up in business offices by 2010. | Implementation of a diagnostic tool in business offices | The diagnostic tool was approved and circulated to business offices in Spring 2009. |
| Agency managers and personnel have a common understanding of the concept of sustainable development, they are sensitized to the commitments made in the Agency’s fourth SDS, and they are aware of memorandums of understanding with partners. | Staff participation in training sessions | SD training for business office advisors is in the approval process. Training is scheduled for Fall 2009. |
| Survey for 2008-2009 on timeliness of training | No survey has yet been conducted. | |
| Information on sustainable development is accessible within the Agency. | Compilation of information on sustainable development | Performance indicators specific to sustainable development were compiled for projects carried out in 2008-2009. A sustainable development section is available on the Agency’s Intranet. |
- SDS Agency goal: Support communities so they contribute to a prosperous, sustainable economy.
- Government of Canada SD goal including GGO goals:
- clean air
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- sustainable development and use of natural resources
- governance for sustainable development.
| 3. Expected results in 2008-2009 | 4. Supporting performance measurements | 5. Agency results achieved in 2008-2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Communities are sensitized and mobilized, and they have set out a vision and drawn up development and diversification plans which take sustainable development principles into account. | Number of communities sensitized and number of plans taking sustainable development into account | Two community development plans taking sustainable development into account have been drawn up (development of ecotourism in Sheldrake and Rivière-au-Tonnerre, and in Saint-Félicien). |
| Sustainable development initiatives and projects are carried out in communities. | Number of sustainable development initiatives and projects carried out in communities | Two sustainable development initiatives were implemented in communities. |
| Case study conducted to identify more accurately the impact of initiatives or projects on communities’ development | No case study has been conducted. | |
| Green entrepreneurship is supported. | Number of projects and activities supporting green entrepreneurship | No projects or activities supporting green entrepreneurship have been carried out. |
| Number of SMEs having implemented pollution prevention or energy eco-efficiency projects | 23 pollution prevention and energy eco-efficiency projects | |
| Number of SMEs operating in green sectors assisted | Three SMEs operating in green sectors have been assisted. | |
| Communities benefit from tourism projects that take sustainable development into account. | Number of tourism projects that take sustainable development into account | Eleven tourism projects that take sustainable development into account were carried out. |
- SDS Agency goal: Contribute to improving the performance of Quebec SMEs and regions with respect to sustainable development.
- Government of Canada SD goal including GGO goals:
- clean air
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- sustainable development and use of natural resources.
| 3. Expected results in 2008-2009 | 4. Supporting performance measurements | 5. Agency results achieved in 2008-2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprises have better strategic capability for grasping green business opportunities and enjoy enhanced environmental performance. | Number of innovative SMEs in pre-startup or startup phase operating in green sectors | Five innovative SMEs operating in green sectors were in pre-startup or startup phase. |
| Enterprises are engaged in a process of enhancement of strategic capabilities in line with the principles of sustainable development and energy efficiency. | Number of eco-design diagnostics of existing products carried out | Seven eco-design diagnostics of products were carried out. |
| Number of SMEs having implemented pollution prevention or energy eco-efficiency projects | Twenty-two SMEs implemented pollution prevention or energy eco-efficiency projects. | |
| Eco-friendly products and services and environmental technologies stemming from R&D are commercialized. | Number of products, services and environmental technologies commercialized or developed | Eight products, services and environmental technologies were developed or commercialized. |
Table 10: Response to Parliamentary Committees and to External Audits
Response to Parliamentary Committees
No recommendations were issued by any Parliamentary Committees concerning the Agency during Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
Response to Auditor General of Canada reports, including reports from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Within the framework of his 2008 annual report on sustainable development strategies, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development reviewed the implementation of the 2007-2009 strategy commitment tabled by the Agency. The Commissioner noted that from April 1, 2007, the Agency had conducted environmental assessments for its two main programs, Community Diversification, and Business and Regional Growth. He also observed that the Agency had an integrated management system which takes into account the impact on the environment and on sustainable development of the various projects it administers. Finally, the Commissioner recognized that the Agency’s integrated management system established a link between the information compiled by its officers and performance indicators.
External audits
These refer to other external audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada and the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
No external audits in 2008-2009
Table 11a: Internal Audits 2008-2009
| Name of internal audit | Type of audit | Status | Completion date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit of compliance with contractual linguistic obligations by designated Business Development Centres (BDCs) and Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) | Compliance audit | Completed | August 2008 |
| Audit of the Monitoring and Compliance Framework for Contracting Activities | Compliance and management audit | Completed | December 2008 |
| Internal Audit of the Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP) | Management audit | Completed | March 2009 |
| Internal Audit of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) | Management audit | Completed | March 2009 |
| External audit of Canada-Quebec Agreement relative to the Infrastructure Program | Management audit | Completed | March 2009 |
| Management audit of Canada Economic Development business offices | Management audit | Completed | August 2008 |
| All internal audit reports mentioned above can be consulted at: www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/index.html |
|||
| Audit of the Community Futures Program (CFP) | Compliance and management audit | Audit work completed | 2nd quarter 2009-2010 (expected) |
| Internal audit of Hermès-Program system information integrity | Management audit | Audit work completed | 2nd quarter 2009-2010 (expected) |
| Audit of monitoring practices for contribution agreements deemed high-risk | Management audit | Audit work in progress | 3rd quarter 2009-2010 (expected) |
| Audit of the governance framework and conformity of classification files | Compliance audit | Audit work in progress | 3rd quarter 2009-2010 (expected) |
Table 11b: Evaluations 2008-2009
| Name of evaluation | Program activity | Type of evaluation | Status | Completion date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formative Evaluation of the Funding Component of the Social Economy Support Initiative for Quebec | Development of communities | Implementation– Formative | Completed | March 2008 |
| www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/publications/agency/evaluation/82/index.html | ||||
| Evaluation of the Capacity Building Component of the Social Economy Support Initiative for Quebec | Development of communities | Implementation/ Formative | Completed | March 2008 |
| www.dec-ced.gc.ca/fra/publications/agence/evaluation/123/ausujet.html | ||||
| Evaluation of the Canada-Quebec Infrastructure Works Program 2000 | Infrastructure | Impact/ Summative | In progress | Fall 2009 |
| Summative Evaluation of the Funding Component of the Social Economy Support Initiative for Quebec | Development of communities | Impact/ Summative | In progress | Winter 2009-2010 |
| Evaluation of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) | Infrastructures | Implementation/ Formative | In progress | Winter 2009-2010 |
| Evaluation of the Community Futures Program (CFP) | Development of communities | Impact/ Summative | In progress | Winter 2009-2010 |
| Evaluation of the Community Diversification and Business and Regional Growth programs | Development of communities; Competitiveness of enterprises; Competitive positioning of sectors and regions | Implementation/ Formative | In progress | Winter 2009-2010 |