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-Annex 2 - Indicator Methodology -Annex 3 - Indicators and Additional Information |
The Government of Canada's Contribution
Sustainable economy
Canada's social foundations
Canada's place in the world
Aboriginal peoples
Partnering for success
Sound public sector
management matters. The objective of the government's pursuit of management excellence is to provide more responsive,
more innovative, and more accountable service to Canadians. That's why reports like Canada's Performance are so
important.
Canada's Performance 2005 provides a government-wide overview that enables spending and performance information to be presented in a comprehensible format, easily accessible to parliamentarians and Canadians.
Through Canada's Performance 2005, Canadians will be able to see how their government contributes to Canada's performance as a nation. This report helps Canadians understand how their tax dollars are spent.
This year's report is structured around three key policy areas—sustainable economy, Canada's social foundations, and Canada's place in the world. This structure reflects other government documents, such as Budget 2005, in order to assess the federal government's effort to improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Canada's Performance 2005 also includes a special chapter on Aboriginal Peoples that discloses all federal spending on Aboriginal programs. In order to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people in Canada, we need to know how much money is allocated by the federal government and how those funds are spent. By disclosing federal spending, we can work together with Aboriginal people in Canada to improve programs and their results.
Overall, Canada's performance on key economic, social and international outcomes ranks well compared to other countries, but that does not mean we should be complacent. We recognize that many players—other levels of government, the private sector, community groups and individuals—have an important contribution to make. We will continue to develop these partnerships to enhance the quality of life for Canadians. Together, we can move Canada forward.
The paper version was signed by
Reg Alcock
President of the Treasury Board and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
Canada's Performance 2005 is the fifth annual report to Parliament on the federal government's contribution to Canada's performance as a nation—highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.
Canada's federal organizations play an important role in the quality of life of Canadians. They support the way we govern ourselves as a federation, administer our laws and justice system, develop and deliver our national social programs and services, regulate the economy and promote fair trade, and represent and protect our interests and values in the world.
Canadians rightly expect a lot of their public sector. They expect the government to pursue 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.
Canada's Performance 2005 is structured around three main policy areas:
This year's report also features a special overview of the government's efforts to support improvement in the well‑being of Aboriginal peoples.
Chapters on the three policy areas provide a broad overview of the federal government's initiatives, commitments, and achievements related to the long-term benefits to Canadians—referred to as Government of Canada outcomes—that the federal government is working to achieve.
Did you know?To mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the liberation of the Netherlands, the Government of Canada declared 2005 to be the Year of the Veteran in order to honour veterans and their service. Budget 2005 provides funding of $6.0 million per year, in addition to the $16.5 million over two years announced in 2004, for future commemoration activities to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Canada's veterans. |
Under the three policy areas, the Government of Canada outcomes are as follows:
Sustainable economy
Canada's social foundations
Canada's place in the world
Each chapter starts with an introduction, which discusses the policy area of the chapter, a brief description of the Government of Canada's role in that policy area, and a list of the outcomes that will be addressed.
Each outcome starts with a performance context, which provides an assessment of quality of life in Canada and is based on a broadly accepted set of societal indicators. This section provides context for the federal government's programs, expenditures, and performance in each outcome.
The performance highlights section in Appendix A summarizes the societal indicator information presented in the report.
Did you know?The Government of Canada has won recognition for the fifth consecutive year as the world's best in providing on-line services to its citizens. Accenture—a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company—cited Canada's expertise in its annual international report on e‑government. The government's commitment to consulting Canadians and collaborating with federal departments and other levels of government was noted as a key factor to Canada's overall success. Source: Public Works and Government Services Canada, Achievements, 2004 |
In order to have an objective assessment of Canada's performance, the societal indicators are drawn from established data sources—for example, the Census of Canada, general social surveys conducted by Statistics Canada, public opinion polls, and reports from the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Economic Forum. These indicators are reported on annually in order to show consistent and measurable trend data over a period of five to ten years, using the most recent trend data available.
A number of indicators have not been updated for 2005 because they are either based on one‑time surveys or surveys that are not repeated annually or because data were not available in time for inclusion in this report. While not every indicator is updated annually due to different reporting cycles, the most recent trend data available are always included.
In examining the outcomes, Canada's Performance 2005 looks at the Government of Canada's contribution, recognizing that many players—individuals, businesses, other governments, and non-profit groups—also have an important contribution to make.
Each outcome ends with a list of departments, agencies, and Crown corporations that are working toward its improvement.
Figure 1.1 illustrates the framework used by Canada's Performance to report on a whole‑of‑government perspective.
The illustration goes from very broad (left-hand side) to more specific (right-hand side). For example, the broad policy area "Sustainable Economy" is made up of five Government of Canada outcomes; 37 federal organizations contribute to the achievement of "sustainable economic growth" through 46 strategic outcomes or mandates. The Canada Small Business Financing Program is an example of a program that contributes to the achievement of Industry Canada's strategic outcome: "a competitive industry and sustainable communities."
Did you know?Recruitment of Aboriginal candidates to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is an effective way to provide culturally sensitive police services to Aboriginal communities, while assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to remain representative of the communities they serve. In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had approximately 850 police officers that self‑identified as Aboriginal peoples, representing 5.6 per cent of the total officer contingent. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is working hard to increase this number through a variety of programs and also contributes directly to the general health and safety of Aboriginal people, through working with over 600 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. |
This is the second time that Canada's Performance includes a specific chapter on Aboriginal people. This chapter is the next step following the Canada–Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable, which began in April 2004, in which the federal government committed to improving accountability for results.
This step begins by taking stock of the programs the Government of Canada provides to First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit and by disclosing in detail all federal spending in 2004–05 committed to Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
The Aboriginal Peoples Chapter therefore has a unique look and feel in comparison to other chapters in the report. It contains figures on federal spending rolled up for all programs within seven thematic headings—health, governance and relationships, lifelong learning, safe and sustainable communities, housing, economic opportunities, and lands and resources—developed as a response to the Canada–Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable.
The electronic version of the report links to the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/aaps-aapd/intro.aspx?Language=EN), which includes all of the programs offered by federal departments and agencies as well as their objectives and costs. Where possible, the Framework also specifies which programs are offered to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Canada's Performance 2005 is available in multiple formats: print, HTML, and CD-ROM.
The HTML version of the report links to department and agency planning and performance reports as well as to the Annual Report to Parliament on Crown Corporations and Other Corporate Interests of Canada.
The HTML version also links to important databases on government audits and evaluations, horizontal initiatives, and detailed program and expenditure information for the federal program suite for Aboriginal peoples. Hyperlinks provide additional information on various publications, policies, and Web sites relevant to each policy area.
In addition, substantial improvements were made to the supplementary on-line annexes. The HTML version of Canada's Performance 2005 now includes links to three annexes: a glossary and two annexes on additional indicator information.
Accompanying this summary document is a CD-ROM, which includes the full report, the on-line annexes, and a snapshot of the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework, which contains detailed program and spending information for 2004–05.
Readers are encouraged to consult the CD-ROM or the HTML version of the report (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/report/govrev/05/cp-rc_e.asp) to access the on-line annexes and the relevant hyperlinks throughout the report.
The mouse symbol (8) is used to identify hyperlinks found in the electronic versions.
Policy makers used to think about the environment as something to be protected from the negative effects of economic growth and the marketplace. Today, it is recognized that environmental, social, and economic well‑being are inextricably linked. The challenge, therefore, is to integrate all these considerations into the way decisions are made to ensure that Canada's economy, environment, and society are sustainable over time.
While Canada has made progress toward achieving an innovative and knowledge- based economy, there are significant numbers of adult Canadians with low‑level literacy skills that constrain their participation in society and in the economy.
Also, while levels of several air pollutants have dropped over the last decade, climate change and the status of many species at risk continue to be causes for concern. Canada has made significant progress on environmental protection, but more needs to be done. The Government of Canada will work with consumers, environmentalists, partners, and stakeholders in further developing its integrated approach to a sustainable economy.
The Canadian economy is, however, considered to be one of the strongest and healthiest among the G‑7 countries, and Canada has enjoyed the strongest growth in employment within the G‑7. The government's economic and fiscal plan has been, and will continue to be, to generate the greatest possible growth while providing equality of opportunity to all Canadians.
Did you know?March 2005 marked the sixth anniversary of the coming into force of the Canada‑led Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. States parties have destroyed over 37 million stockpiled mines and have contributed over US$2 billion toward global mine action efforts, the vast majority of which have been leveraged since the Convention entered into force. The Canadian government has done its part by renewing the Canadian Landmine Fund through 2008, bringing Canada's financial commitment to more than $200 million since the signing ceremony in Ottawa. Source: Foreign Affairs Canada, 2005 |
The Government of Canada supports quality of life of its citizens not only by strengthening the social fabric and by reflecting and reinforcing values that are important to Canadians but also by promoting and protecting health and ensuring effective health care services. The Government of Canada also establishes and enforces laws that keep Canadians safe, regulate Canadian society, and protect disadvantaged groups in Canadian communities.
Canada's social foundations are experiencing a number of challenges. While indicators point to a less involved civic society as political participation and volunteering among Canadians are both declining, personal tolerance toward diversity is increasing.
Progress has been noted in housing, as the proportion of Canadians who are unable to afford shelter that is adequate, suitable, and affordable is decreasing.
Although a growing proportion of Canadians are also considered either overweight or obese, Canadians can expect to live longer than ever.
The Government of Canada is committed to having the best possible system for ensuring the health of Canadians. Medicare is a vital aspect of Canada's shared citizenship: it speaks to Canadian values and priorities. Canadians want a system that gives them access to the care they need, when they need it.
The world is changing, rapidly and radically, and these changes matter to Canada. Canada's security, prosperity, and quality of life are all affected by global transformations and the challenges they bring.
Canada must therefore remain engaged abroad if the government is to meet the challenges and seize the many opportunities a global economy can bring, while contributing its share to international peace, security, and assistance.
Canada is committed to improving international security, but many Canadians think that much work remains to be done.
Canadians, who come from every corner of the globe, understand that the life enjoyed by citizens in this country depends increasingly on helping to make life in other countries better as well. Although the federal government has moved forward on three fronts to strengthen development assistance results through increased aid, more effective aid, and policy coherence across government, there is still progress to be made in this area.
Canada is, however, increasingly benefiting from partnership with its North American neighbours, and Canadians are prospering in the global economy.
Aboriginal peoples, however, have not fully shared in Canada's prosperity. Although important progress has been made in the areas of health, lifelong learning, housing, economic development, and improving relationships with governments, much more needs to be done. The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Aboriginal leaders and the provinces and territories to find lasting solutions.
The Government of Canada recognizes that it is only one of many entities that shape Canadian society and that quality of life depends on many factors. For this reason, the federal government partners with other levels of government, private and voluntary sectors, non‑governmental organizations, and individuals to achieve the best possible social, economic, and environmental outcomes for Canadians.
Give us your feedbackThe Government of Canada is committed to continually improving its reporting to parliamentarians and Canadians. We want to know what you think of this report—what you like best and what you think needs to be changed so that we can make more improvements. We welcome your comments by mail, telephone, fax, or e-mail. Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Telephone: (613) 957-7183 |
