Section 1 - Overview

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• 1.1 Minister's Message
• 1.2 Management Representation Statement
• 1.3 Summary Information
  • 1.3.1 Raison d'être
  • 1.3.2 Planning for Results
  • 1.3.3 Summary Tables
• 1.4 Overall Departmental Performance

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1.1 Minister's Message

As Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, I am pleased to submit Transport Canada's Departmental Performance Report for the period ending March 31, 2007.

The Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Portfolio, including Transport Canada, helps to ensure transportation safety and security, and contributes to our economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This was a busy and dynamic year that saw the Government of Canada deliver two budgets that committed a historic $33 billion in infrastructure funding over the next seven years towards the new "Building Canada" infrastructure plan. This long-term, unprecedented level of infrastructure funding recognizes that to remain competitive in today's global economy we must create world-class infrastructure to ensure the seamless flow of people, goods and services across our roads and bridges, through our ports and gateways. The "Building Canada" plan will also support the environment through investments in public transit, green energy, water and wastewater treatment, and brownfield remediation.

Throughout the past year, significant accomplishments and progress have been made by the department to meet the commitments set out in its 2006-07 Report on Plans and Priorities. For instance, in October 2006 the Prime Minister announced the launch of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, a set of policy and funding measures totalling some $1 billion that highlights the benefits of applying an integrated approach to transportation policy building. Blue Sky, the new international air policy announced in November 2006, is another key initiative that will enhance Canada's economic prosperity and competitiveness.

One of the federal government's top priorities during the fiscal year continued to be the environment. With the announcement of the ecoTransport Strategy, comprised of over $100 million in funding towards new initiatives in clean transportation, the government is taking serious steps to tackle the emissions and other environmental impacts from the transportation sector.

Transport Canada continues to work with public and private partners to modernize and harmonize regulatory frameworks under the Government of Canada's Smart Regulation Initiative to promote a transportation system that is safe and secure. On the security front, progress was made on a number of initiatives. Chief among them is the Transportation Security Action Plan, completed after two years of extensive research and analysis. The plan guides the department's current actions and future planning in the area of transportation security.

As we look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead, Transport Canada is committed to sustaining its efforts as part of the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Portfolio and to contributing to a transportation system that maintains our prosperity, our security, our safety, our environment and our quality of life.

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

 

1.2 Management Representation Statement

I submit for tabling in Parliament, the 2006-2007 Departmental Performance Report (DPR) for Transport Canada.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2006-2007 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports:

• It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat guidance;

• It is based on the department's approved Strategic Outcomes and Program Activity Architecture structure that were approved by Treasury Board;

• It presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced and reliable information;

• It provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved by the department with the resources and authorities entrusted to it; and

• It reports finances based on approved numbers from the Estimates and the Public Accounts of Canada.

 

Name:  Louis Ranger

Title:  Deputy Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

1.3 Summary Information

1.3.1 Raison d'être

Transport Canada is responsible for the transportation policies and programs set by the Government of Canada. The department works to ensure that all parts of the transportation system work effectively and in an integrated manner.

Our Vision . . .

A transportation system in Canada that is recognized worldwide as safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible

Our vision of a sustainable transportation system - one that integrates and finds the right balance among social, economic and environmental objectives - is guided by the following principles:

• Highest practicable safety and security of life and property - guided by performance-based standards and regulations when necessary;
• Efficient movement of people and goods to support economic prosperity and a sustainable quality of life - based on competitive markets and targeted use of regulation and government funding; and
• Respect for the environmental legacy of future generations of Canadians - guided by environmental assessment and planning processes in transportation decisions and selective use of regulation and government funding.

Our Mission . . .

To serve the public interest through the promotion of a safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation system in Canada

To succeed in its mission, Transport Canada is committed to being a world-leading organization that:

• Develops and implements effective policies, programs, and legislative and regulatory frameworks;
• Works in partnership with other governments, industry and stakeholders;
• Is recognized as a progressive, effective and accountable organization; and
• Sustains a healthy and productive work environment that values professional excellence, teamwork, open communication, diversity, continuous learning and mutual respect.

Legislative Mandate

 In Canada, all three levels of government have some responsibility for the country's transportation system. In support of its Vision and Mission, Transport Canada delivers its programs and services under numerous legislative and constitutional authorities.

Some of the Legislation governing Transport Canada:

• Department of Transport Act
• Canada Transportation Act
• Aeronautics Act
• Canada Marine Act
• Canada Shipping Act
• Navigable Waters Protection Act
• Railway Safety Act
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992
• Motor Vehicle Safety Act
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act
• Marine Transportation Security Act

A full listing of the legislation administered by Transport Canada can be found at http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/listofacts/menu.htm.

1.3.2 Planning for Results

STRATEGIC OUTCOMES

Transport Canada is committed to delivering results to Canadians.

• A safe and secure transportation system that contributes to Canada's social development and security objectives;
• An efficient transportation system that contributes to Canada's economic growth and trade objectives; and
• An environmentally responsible transportation system that contributes to Canada's sustainable development objectives.

MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

Transport Canada's management priorities have been developed in the context of two key considerations: the completion of commitments made in the previous Report on Plans and Priorities, and internal and external assessments using the Management Accountability Framework elements for the identification of opportunities to improve management practices within the department.

Management priorities for 2006-07 have built on the achievements of 2005-06 and continued to strengthen management capacity in the areas of people, including values and ethics, stewardship and accountability. Highlights of performance achieved include:

Management Priorities	Performance Achieved (or progress made)
People - Institutionalize the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA), Human Resources (HR) plans contributing to strategic staffing strategies and integrated values and ethics	A Departmental suite of HR polices was developed to correspond with flexibilities and requirements of the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). A new service delivery and performance measurement model establishing a clearer distinction between service delivery, corporate functional responsibilities, HR planning/performance measurement and values & ethics was developed. Existing Transport Canadadelegated managers completed their authority delegation validation. Courses related to PSMA and conflict management were designed and offered. A Values and Ethics governance structure and framework tailored to Transport Canada was developed through a broad consultative process.
Stewardship - Efficiency and effectiveness of programs and associated expenditures	Transport Canada completed the first phase of a two-phase comprehensive review exercise which is part of the Department's ongoing assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs and associated expenditures. Once completed, these reviews will serve to provide senior executives with the information required to ensure that funds are allocated to the highest priorities and that Transport Canada is making the best possible investments in the areas that matter most to Canadians.
Accountability - Strengthen accountability in the governance of Crown Corporations	Significant progress was made with the implementation of best practices including: orientation sessions for new appointees especially Chairs; developing and implementing recruitment strategies for Boards facing leadership, governance and board capacity issues; and improving the capacity of Boards to provide advice to the Minister and to Crown corporations in terms of the Performance Management Program for Chief Executive Officers. Letters of expectation issued to new Crown Corporations Chairs. Preliminary work regarding a review and adoption of codes of conduct of Crown corporations was initiated to ensure that the codes of conduct adequately reference stewardship accountabilities.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Transport Canada's vision of a sustainable transportation system - one that integrates and seeks the correct balance among social, economic and environmental objectives - is based on three strategic outcomes: An efficient transportation system that contributes to Canada's economic growth and trade objectives; a safe and secure transportation system that contributes to Canada's social development and security objectives; and an environmentally responsible transportation system that contributes to Canada's sustainable development objectives. These strategic outcomes are articulated in the nine program priorities below:

1. New security policies and programs
2. Infrastructure, gateways and trade corridors
3. Market-Based policy framework
4. Smart regulation
5. Safety and security management systems
6. Climate change and clean air
7. Environmental protection and remediation
8. Innovation
9. Environmental assessments

1.3.3 Summary Tables

The following tables present the resources needed in 2006-07 to deliver Transport Canada's programs and services that benefit Canadians:

Total Financial Resources ($ thousands)

Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending
$1,616,629	$1,557,956	$1,426,183

Total Human Resources (Full time equivalents/FTEs)

Planned	Actual	Difference
4,900	4,854	46

 

Summary of Performance in Relationship to Departmental Strategic Outcomes, Priorities and Results Achieved

Please note that Section II includes narratives that are not in the table "Summary of Performance in Relationship to Departmental Strategic Outcomes, Priorities and Results Achieved" above, as they were not identified in the Report on Plans and Priorities 2006-07 but are considered worthy of mention in the Departmental Performance Report 2006-07.

Note 1: The number in the "Government of Canadat; columnfers to the thutcomes below.

Transport Canada's three strategic outcomes and program priorities support the following Government of Canada outcomes as they will be presented in the next Canada's Performance report:

1. Safe and secure communities
2. A fair and secure marketplace
3. Strong economic growth

1.4 Overall Departmental Performance

As listed in the Summary of Performance table above, most of the 2006-07 activities committed to in the Report on Plans and Priorities 2006-07 progressed during the year.

The Summary of Performance table in section 1.3.3 shows how the department's three strategic outcomes and program priorities support eight of the 13 Government of Canada outcomes as they were presented in Canada's Performance 2006:

• Safe and secure communities
• A fair and secure marketplace
• Strong economic growth
• An innovative and knowledge-based economy
• A clean and healthy environment
• A safe and secure world through international cooperation
• A strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership
• A prosperous Canada through global commerce

The creation of the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities portfolio in February 2006, coupled with the change in government that preceded it, set the stage for a dynamic year with many challenges and opportunities for Transport Canada. The department was able to successfully deliver on most of the commitments outlined in its 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities, which illustrates that Transport Canada is a well organized department capable of achieving its mandate.

Under Transport Canada's first strategic outcome, "An efficient transportation system that contributes to Canada's economic growth and trade objectives", the department has been successful on several fronts. It has:

• Adopted a new international air policy (Blue Sky) that will liberalize bilateral air transport agreements,
• Launched the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative to ensure that Canada benefits from the changing global economy, and
• Received Royal Assent of The International Bridges and Tunnels Act on February 1, 2007, improving governance and accountability of key transportation infrastructure.

Transport Canada also participates in international trade negotiations in support of the Government of Canada's Global Commerce Strategy, and the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) to achieve key departmental objectives within the context of North American growth, competitiveness, and quality of life.

Also, in Spring 2007, Moving Forward - Changing the safety and security culture - A strategic direction for safety and security management, was launched. It outlines the direction Transport Canada must take to make progress on changing the safety and security culture. Moving Forward will guide us as we apply safety and security management in our day-to-day transportation activities and will play a part in the second strategic outcome, "A safe and secure transportation system that contributes to Canada's social development and security objectives".

Transport Canada's third strategic outcome, "An environmentally responsible transportation system that contributes to Canada's sustainable development objectives", was significantly advanced through several initiatives, chief among them being the ecoTRANSPORT Strategy announced in February 2007, which will provide over $100 million in funding towards new initiatives in clean transportation.

Aligning the outcomes of Transport Canada with those of the Government of Canada ensures that transportation decisions contribute to the success of the broader government agenda. And, in partnership with other departments, organizations and industry, the programs and services offered by Transport Canada continue to support safety and security, a strong economy and the protection of the environment objectives.