After the summer, blackout and hot temperatures, fall is coming and a busy agenda awaits us. Events, conferences, projects and workshops will keep CMD very busy to the end of the second phase of the Modern Comptrollership (MC).

Many questions are being asked regarding the Management Accountability Framework (MAF) and MC. For example: Is MC going to be phased out? Is the MAF replacing MC? Should we stop working on the MC for the benefit of the MAF? The answers to all these questions are NO, NO, NO! The MAF is built on MC, given that the four pillars (Values and Ethics, Results and Performance Information, Risk Management and Stewardship) of the MC provide the foundations for management excellence. We need these foundations to consolidate the basis to move on. "Managers cannot make responsible decisions without the MC's pillars," Mr. Blake, Executive Director of CMD reminds us. MC is as important to MAF as air is to our survival. These pillars will stay essential and a necessity in the implementation of the MAF.

In order to illustrate the transition toward the MAF and its interdependence with the MC, CMD has decided to modify the format of its newsletter. Many changes have been made. The newsletter is now divided by sections, each one addressing a MC pillar, a MC enabler, or other elements of the MAF. For example, this edition contains sections on results and performance, learning, and governance & strategic direction.

Also, the CMD has updated its colours. The CMD pink and gold banner has been replaced by the blue and grey tones of TBS.

This edition of the MC Info includes a brief summary of two reports: Modern Comptrollership Initiative: A Progress Report on Government-wide Implementation and Integrated Risk Management Framework: A Report on Implementation Progress which can be read and printed in PDF version by clicking on the logo. We also highlight findings of a project conducted by Industry Canada on barriers to implement MC within the federal public service.

Finally, do not forget to take a few minutes to look at the Analysts' Corner where new portfolio managers are introduced. CMD, as always, welcomes your comments on suggestions on the newsletter.