Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC)

Where We Are Going

MSC in Transition

Renewal is an important component in the lifecycle of any organization that has existed for a long time. In the 130 years since the MSC was created, rapid advances in science and technology and the ravages of time have caused parts of the MSC's monitoring infrastructure to rust out or become obsolete. In addition, the Service is faced with the reality of an aging scientific workforce.

A broad-based and permanent solution is needed to manage the threat posed by these infrastructure and human-resource issues, to restore the integrity of Canada's weather and water service, and to move towards its vision. As such, the MSC will address these issues over the next three years by:

• increasing spending on recruitment and training to create a continuous flow of scientists and technicians into meteorological, hydrological and related scientific fields;

• moving to a philosophy of "life-cycle management" for critical infrastructure, so that all new equipment installed is maintained at a specific standard, and its eventual replacement is planned;

• improving the quality and effectiveness of its high-impact weather and hazardous events program by focusing on relevant research and development (e.g. moving to higher resolution and regional mesoscale models), automated guidance for forecasters, and increasing community services.

By setting priorities and targets to rejuvenate its staff, reshape its efforts, retool its infrastructure and reposition itself in the marketplace, the MSC will continue to meet the changing needs of Canadians both in and beyond this century.

A Vision for the Future

The MSC is moving towards two long-term results—protecting Canadians against imminent or short-term weather and environmental hazards, and helping them adapt to their environment on all time scales. The MSC's vision is to be:

• an essential national institution that contributes to the health and safety of Canadians and their communities through innovative science, service and technology;

• a catalyst and scientific partner in developing innovative services in support of economic efficiency, productivity and competitiveness;

• accountable to Canadians for quality and program effectiveness through charters of service, annual reports and practices of modern management;

• a recognized authority and source of science and information in the areas of weather, climate, water and related environmental issues;

• a recognized contributor to Canada's international role in helping to solve complex and multidisciplinary environmental issues facing global society in the coming decade; and,

• a valued, strategic and innovative partner with other government agencies, academia and industry in achieving shared goals.

The Green Lane^TM,
Environment Canada's World Wide Web Site.