Improved Reporting to Parliament
Pilot Document
Each year, the government prepares Estimates in support of its request to Parliament for
authority to spend public monies. This request is formalized through the tabling of
appropriation bills in Parliament.
The Estimates of the Government of Canada are structured in several parts. Beginning with an
overview of total government spending in Part I, the documents become increasingly more
specific. Part II outlines spending according to departments, agencies and programs and
contains the proposed wording of the conditions governing spending which Parliament will be
asked to approve.
The Report on Plans and Priorities provides additional detail on each department and its
programs primarily in terms of more strategically oriented planning and results information
with a focus on outcomes.
The Departmental Performance Report provides a focus on results-based accountability
by reporting on accomplishments achieved against the performance expectations and results
commitments as set out in the spring Report on Plans and Priorities.
The Estimates, along with the Minister of Finance's Budget, reflect the
government's annual
budget planning and resource allocation priorities. In combination with the subsequent
reporting of financial results in the Public Accounts and of accomplishments achieved in
Departmental Performance Reports, this material helps Parliament hold the government to
account for the allocation and management of funds.
©Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada - 2002
Available in Canada through your local bookseller or by mail
from
Canadian Government Publishing - PWGSC
Ottawa, Canada K1A 0S9
Catalogue No. BT31-4/21-2002
ISBN 0-660-62083-9
Foreword
In the spring of 2000, the President of the Treasury Board tabled in
Parliament the document "Results for Canadians: A Management Framework for
the Government of Canada". This document sets a clear agenda for improving
and modernising management practices in federal departments and agencies.
Four key management commitments form the basis for this vision of how the
Government will deliver their services and benefits to Canadians in the new
millennium. In this vision, departments and agencies recognise that they exist
to serve Canadians and that a "citizen focus" shapes all
activities, programs and services. This vision commits the Government of Canada
to manage its business by the highest public service values. Responsible
spending means spending wisely on the things that matter to Canadians. And
finally, this vision sets a clear focus on results - the impact and effects
of programs.
Departmental performance reports play a key role in the cycle of planning,
monitoring, evaluating, and reporting of results through ministers to Parliament
and citizens. Departments and agencies are encouraged to prepare their reports
following certain principles. Based on these principles, an effective report
provides a coherent and balanced picture of performance that is brief and to the
point. It focuses on outcomes - benefits to Canadians and Canadian society
- and describes the contribution the organisation has made toward those
outcomes. It sets the and discusses risks and challenges faced by the
organisation in delivering its commitments. The report also associates
performance with earlier commitments as well as achievements realised in
partnership with other governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Supporting the need for responsible spending, it links resources to results.
Finally, the report is credible because it substantiates the performance
information with appropriate methodologies and relevant data.
In performance reports, departments and agencies strive to respond to the
ongoing and evolving information needs of parliamentarians and Canadians. The
input of parliamentarians and other readers can do much to improve these reports
over time. The reader is encouraged to assess the performance of the
organisation according to the principles outlined above, and provide comments to
the department or agency that will help it in the next cycle of planning and
reporting.
This report is accessible electronically from the Treasury Board of Canada
Secretariat Internet site:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr/dpre.asp
Comments or questions can be directed to this Internet site or to:
Results-based Management Directorate
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
L'Esplanade Laurier
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R5
or to this Internet address: rma-mrr@tbs-sct.gc.ca
Canadian Centre for Management Development
Performance Report
For the Period Ending
March 31, 2002
The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
Prime Minister of Canada
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