ARCHIVED - Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission Canada - Report

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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Program Activity by Strategic Outcome

Program Activity 1.1

Program Activity 1.1: Statutory Decisions and Compliant Information

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (000s)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
25	2,797	25	2,797	25	2,797

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Claimants submit valid claims	Percentage of claims found to be valid on review	100%
Claimants are proactively compliant with Workplace Hazardous Material Information System requirements	Average number of violations in material safety data sheets of record	4.5 violations

Program Activity 1.1 Summary:

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requires chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers to provide cautionary labelling and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for every controlled product produced, used or intended for use by workers in Canadian workplaces. Pursuant to the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, the Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission has the mandate to make decisions on the validity of claims for exemption from disclosure requirements under WHMIS, while ensuring that associated health and safety information made available to Canadian workers is compliant with the WHMIS standards. Specifically, to fulfill its program requirements, the Commission registers claims, issues decisions on claim validity and compliance, offers claimants an opportunity to comply voluntarily and when necessary, orders claimants to take actions to bring MSDSs and/or labels into compliance. In carrying out this program, the Commission fosters proactive compliance. It assists claimants in respecting relevant statutory requirements by providing the information, knowledge, tools and support they need to submit complete and accurate claims and bring associated MSDSs and/or labels into compliance.

Program Activity 1.1 Planning Highlights:

1. Establish a compliance baseline to inform future proactive approaches.
2. Provide claimants with the knowledge, tools and information to be WHMIS compliant.

Program Activity 1.2

Program Activity 1.2 : Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (000s)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
5	538	5	538	5	538

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Improved knowledge and proficiency of hazard communications	Percentage of participants who increased knowledge of hazard communication due to outreach activity	75%
Improved knowledge and proficiency of hazard communications	Percentage of participants at outreach activity who used increased knowledge to improve hazard communication	25%

Program Activity 1.2 Summary:

The work completed by the Commission enables it to gather unique information and data holdings on hazard communications under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System in terms of completeness, accuracy, comprehensibility and accessibility. Through partnerships, the Commission attempts to more fully a) mine, b) test and compare and c) share its knowledge so as to improve hazard communications for Canadian industry and Canadian workers. It also uses this knowledge to improve the understanding and proficiency of interested domestic and international public bodies in developing hazard communication approaches, tools and supports the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to the creation and distribution of information and knowledge that enhance the safe handling of hazardous chemicals.

Program Activity 1.2 Planning Highlights:

1. Explore and identify stakeholder interest in forming mutually beneficial partnerships.
2. Share information to improve stakeholder knowledge of hazard communications.

Internal Services 1.3

Services internes 1.3

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (000s)
2011-12		2012-13		2013-14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
12	1,200	12	1,200	12	1,200

Internal Services 1.3 Summary:

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. At HMIRC these groups are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Internal Services 1.3 Planning Highlights:

1. Strengthen organizational alignment and cohesion through the implementation of the 2010-12 HMIRC Integrated Plan.
2. Implement the evaluation and internal audit function.
3. Renew the approach to Human Resources Management and Budget Management.
4. Develop a Commission-wide approach to Information Management and Information Technology Management.

Benefits for Canadians

Canada's health system exists to safeguard and improve the health of Canadians. The responsibility for health is spread across the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Occupational health and safety programs, including WHMIS, are an essential part of the Canadian health system. As part of WHMIS, the Commission provides the trade secret exemption mechanism on behalf of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, including the promotion of improved occupational health and safety for Canadian workers. It does this by assessing and addressing the hazards of chemical use in the workplace, by innovation in translating its knowledge of hazard classification and communication, by ensuring compliance with public standards across jurisdictions, and by fostering mutual support and cooperation among key stakeholders. Through these activities HMIRC contributes to the achievement of the Government of Canada strategic outcome of "Healthy Canadians".

The Commission's work also supports the Government of Canada's strategic outcome of a "Fair and Secure Marketplace". This outcome ensures the marketplace continues to foster competitive conditions in order to attract investment, encourage innovation, and protect the public interest. The Commission enhances competition by protecting trade secrets in the chemical industry.

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