Canadians rightly expect a lot from public service employees and expect the government to deliver policies and
programs that take into account and are responsive to public priorities. They expect the government to operate in an
open, transparent, and accountable manner. They want to know that government programs and services are well managed.
Above all, they want assurances that they are receiving good value for their tax dollars. For this reason, and to
restrain the rate of spending growth, Budget 2006 introduced a new approach for managing overall spending to ensure that
government programs focus on results and value for taxpayers' money, and are consistent with government priorities and
responsibilities. In support of this goal, the President of the Treasury Board identified savings of $1 billion
for2006–07 and 2007–08.
A number of departments and agencies play an important supportive role to ensure a whole-of-government approach in
the service of Canadians. These federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations work across portfolio boundaries
to achieve a shared goal and an integrated government response to particular issues. For example, through delivery of
its core services, Public Works and Government Services Canada enables other government departments and agencies to
deliver on their primary mandates.
There are many ways in which these federal organizations help other government departments and agencies meet their
responsibilities, deliver on their core mandates, and, ultimately, serve Canadians better, e.g. by:
- providing advice and support to the prime minister, Cabinet, and Cabinet committees and by ensuring successful
transition of government and the setting up of a new Cabinet;
- helping maintain and enforce a rigorous stewardship of public resources;
- offering information technology, telecommunications, translation, or auditing services to other federal
departments and agencies;
- fostering and sustaining modern, effective, results-driven people management and leadership across the public
service;
- assuring continuous contact among federal departments and agencies to support their ability to work effectively
and to ensure overall consultation and coordination;
- purchasing goods and services, from office supplies to expert advisers' services to military uniforms; and
- safeguarding and fostering the integrity and political neutrality of public servants through audits, reviews, and
investigations in support of the government's public policy values of equity, transparency, and fairness for all.
|
Did you know?
Budget 2006 committed to provide an ongoing approach in managing overall spending and to ensure that all
government programs are effective and efficient, are focussed on results, provide value for taxpayers' money, and
are aligned with the government's priorities and responsibilities.
To that end, the government has launched a review of its expenditure management system. Led by the President of
the Treasury Board, this review will implement a new expenditure management system that will respect the following
principles:
- government programs should focus on results and value for money;
- government programs must be consistent with federal responsibilities; and
- programs that no longer serve the purpose for which they were created should be eliminated.
Source: Budget 2006
|
|
Key risks and challenges that impact Canada's economy
Accountability and trust
- Increasingly, Canadians expect more transparency, greater accountability, and improved service delivery from
government. One challenge for improved service delivery is the provision of more integrated services.
- Canadians' faith in the institutions and practices of government has been eroded and the Government of Canada
is working diligently to regain that trust.
|
|
An accountable government
On April 11, 2006, Canada's new government introduced the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan in
the House of Commons, delivering on its commitment to make government more accountable.
Accountability is the foundation on which Canada's system of responsible government rests. A strong
accountability regime assures Parliament and Canadians that the Government of Canada is using public resources
efficiently and effectively. It also promotes ethical practice–actions undertaken in government must be motivated
by the public interest and carried out in accordance with legislation and policy. Effective accountability also
means that those who manage public resources must be prepared to report openly on results achieved.
Through the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan, the Government of Canada is bringing forward
specific measures to help strengthen accountability and increase transparency and oversight in government
operations. The comprehensive Action Plan includes a proposed Federal Accountability Act, supporting
policy, and other non-legislative measures, as well as a draft bill to amend the Access to Information
Act.
The main elements of reform in the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan are:
To find out more about the key measures found in each element of reform, please click on the hyperlinks above or
consult the fact sheets at http://www.faa-lfi.gc.ca/fs-fi/fs-fi_e.asp.
On November 6, 2006, the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs reported back on the Federal
Accountability Act with amendments. The Act is currently at report stage in the Senate Chamber.
|
Links to detailed departmental information
Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations that receive appropriations support government affairs
and other federal organizations through their respective strategic outcomes and program activities. This document serves
as a road map to facilitate navigation through the departmental and agency performance reports. Clicking on the links in
the electronic version of the following table will lead you to planning, performance, and resource information that is
contained in the organizations' departmental performance reports and reports on plans and priorities, as well as in the Annual
Report to Parliament on Crown Corporations and Other Corporate Interests of Canada. The Strategic Outcomes
database, which can be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/krc/cp-rc_e.asp, also leads to
relevant audits and evaluations.
|
Government Affairs
|
|
Canada Post Corporation
Canada Revenue Agency
Canada School of Public Service
Canadian Forces Grievance Board
Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat
Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs
Courts Administration Service
Department of Finance Canada
Department of Justice Canada
First Nations Statistical Institute
Governor General
House of Commons
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
Infrastructure Canada
Library of Parliament
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Privy Council Office
Public Service Commission of Canada
Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
Public Service Labour Relations Board
Public Service Staffing Tribunal
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee
Statistics Canada
Supreme Court of Canada
Senate
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
|
|
