Quarterly Financial Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2014

1. Introduction

This Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) should be read in conjunction with the Main Estimates, Supplementary Estimates, and Canadas Economic Action Plan (Budgets 2014, 2013 and 2012). It has been prepared by management as required under section 65.1 of the Financial Administration Act and in the form and manner prescribed by Treasury Board Accounting Standard 1.3. It has not been subject to an external audit or review.

1.1 Authority, Mandate and Program Alignment Architecture

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) plays an important role in the daily operations of the Government of Canada. The Department is its principal treasurer, accountant, central purchasing agent, linguistic authority, and real property manager. The Departments vision is to excel in government operations, and its mission is to deliver high-quality services and programs that meet the needs of federal organizations and ensure sound stewardship on behalf of Canadians.

The Department, founded in 1841, was instrumental in the building of our nation's canals, roads and bridges, the Houses of Parliament, post offices and federal buildings across the country. Today, PWGSC has evolved into a sophisticated operational arm of government that employs approximately 12,100 permanent employees working in locations across Canada, with its headquarters in the National Capital Area. PWGSC:

  • Injects more than $14 billion annually into the Canadian economy through government procurement for 140 federal departments and agencies;
  • Handles over $2.2 trillion in cash flow transactions through the Receiver General function as treasurer;
  • Issues more than 14 million federal pay and pension payments;
  • Provides accommodation to parliamentarians and more than 272,200 public servants in 1,733 locations across Canada;
  • Manages a Crown-owned property portfolio with a market value of $7.3 billion, including 19 engineering assets such as bridges and dams;
  • Provides translation and interpretation services, annually, for more than 1,700 parliamentary sittings and parliamentary committee meetings, and manages translation for more than one million pages of text on behalf of other federal organizations; and
  • Images and digitizes more than 23 million pages, annually, for federal government departments and agencies.
Further details on PWGSCs authority, mandate and programs may be found in the 2014-15 Report on Plans and Priorities.

1.2 Basis of Presentation

This quarterly report has been prepared by management using an expenditure basis of accounting also known as modified cash accounting, and a special purpose financial reporting framework designed to meet financial information needs with respect to the use of spending authorities. The accompanying Statement of Authorities compares PWGSCs spending authorities granted by Parliament to those used by the Department. Information in the Statement of Authorities is consistent with that in the Main Estimates.

The authority of Parliament is required before monies can be spent by the government. Approvals are given in the form of annually approved limits through appropriation acts or through legislation granting statutory spending authority for specific purposes.

PWGSC uses the accrual method of accounting to prepare and present its annual Consolidated Departmental Financial Statements (DFS) that are published in the ARCHIVED - Departmental Performance Report. However, the spending authorities voted by Parliament remain on a modified cash basis of accounting.

The main difference between the QFR and the DFS is the timing of when revenues and expenses are recognized. The QFR reports revenues only when the money is received and expenses only when the money is paid out. The DFS reports revenues when they are earned and expenses when they are incurred. In the latter case, revenues are recorded even if cash has not been received and expenses are incurred even if cash has not yet been paid out.

1.3 PWGSC's Financial Structure

PWGSC provides services to many government departments, agencies and Crown corporations through a variety of funding mechanisms. This includes budgetary authorities that are comprised of voted and statutory authorities, as well as non-budgetary authorities. The voted budgetary authorities include Operating Expenditures, Vote-Netted Revenues and Capital Expenditures, while the statutory authorities are mainly comprised of Revolving Funds, Employee Benefit Plans and Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). The non-budgetary authorities consist primarily of the Seized Property Working Capital Account (see description below).

PWGSC’s complex financial structure may result in significant fluctuations in authorities on a quarterly basis which are due to timing differences that are resolved by year end. These are summarized as follows:

  • For the most part, PWGSC delivers its services on a cost-recovery basis, generating revenues via Revolving Fund ("the Funds") organizations and programs within the Operating Vote. These organizations and programs are mainly designed to provide services to other government departments, and are expected to recover the cost of their operations through revenues. However, the costs incurred by the Funds are usually disbursed prior to invoicing the client, which generally occurs upon completion of a project or after services are rendered, and thus revenues may be collected in a subsequent quarter.
  • PWGSC manages a variety of real property projects that progress through phases from planning to funding and from procurement to construction. Historical trends have shown that expenditures against these projects are not incurred evenly throughout the year; thus, quarter-to-quarter fluctuations are normal.
  • PILT issued by PWGSC are funded through a statutory vote and paid on behalf of other participating federal departments. Payments are subsequently recovered from the participating departments and are recorded as statutory grants in the Public Accounts of Canada. Timing fluctuations can occur between the payments and recoveries.
  • PWGSC also manages seized property for the Government of Canada pursuant to the Seized Property Management Act. The financial management of this activity is undertaken through the non-budgetary Seized Property Working Capital Account. Charged to this Account are expenditures and advances made to maintain and manage any seized or restrained property. PWGSC recovers its costs from this Account once the property owner loses the right to the property and it is disposed of.

2. Highlights of Fiscal Quarter and Fiscal Year to Date (YTD) Results

2.1 Significant Changes to Authorities

When compared to the same quarter of the previous year, PWGSCs Authorities Available for Use increased by $45.1 million (2013-14: $2,619.5 million; 2014-15: $2,664.6 million) as reflected in the Statement of Authorities. Major reasons for the increase are outlined below:

Year-Over-Year Variances in Authorities Available for Use

Table Summary The Year-Over-Year Variances in Authorities Available for Use table summarizes the variances in authorities available, in comparison to the previous fiscal year, by major project.

(in millions of dollars)

  Operating Capital Budgetary Statutory Authorities Total Variances
Engineering Assets (7.4) 91.0   83.6
Rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Precinct 1.2 67.1   68.3
Transformation of Pay Administration 3.1 47.8 2.7 53.6
Carling Campus   26.6   26.6
Advertising Program 5.0     5.0
Controlled Goods 3.8   0.4 4.2
Grande-Allée Armoury   2.8   2.8
Revolving Funds     (19.6) (19.6)
Terrasses de la Chaudière   (49.9)   (49.9)
Deficit Reduction Action Plan (57.2)     (57.2)
Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Remediation (71.2)     (71.2)
Other 3.2 1.4 (5.7) (1.1)
CUMULATIVE VARIANCE IN AUTHORITIES AVAILABLE FOR USE (119.5) 186.8 (22.2) 45.1

Groupings can change between quarters due to materiality of initiatives

The net increase of $45.1 million can be explained by:

Engineering Assets increase of $83.6 million

PWGSC is the custodian of 19 engineering assets including seven bridge crossings, four dam complexes, and eight specialized assets which constitute critical public infrastructure providing significant benefits to the communities and regions served across Canada. The increase in 2014-15 is mainly related to planned funding for the planning, design and implementation of capital projects, such as the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge, the Timiskaming Dam Complex, the Latchford Dam and the Des Allumettes Bridge.

Rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Precinct increase of $68.3 million

This planned funding is to continue the implementation of the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP), to ensure preservation of the Parliament Buildings as heritage assets and national symbols in accordance with the approved five-year program of work which began in 2010-11. LTVP projects continue to be developed on time and on budget.

Transformation of Pay Administration increase of $53.6 million

The seven-year program of work under the Transformation of Pay Administration Initiative has two main components. The Pay Modernization Project will replace the Government of Canadas 40 year-old pay system, with a modern, commercial off-the-shelf pay system. The Consolidation of Pay Services Project will hire, relocate, train and accommodate compensation employees at the Public Service Pay Centre (the Centre) in Miramichi, New Brunswick. The Centre will provide pay services to departments using the Government of Canada Human Resources Management System.

Carling Campus increase of $26.6 million

This funding is for the design and construction of necessary base building upgrades, special purpose space and information technology at the Carling Campus for the consolidation of the National Defence Headquarters. This consolidation will fulfill a Government commitment to bring 8,500 Department of National Defence staff and members of the Canadian Armed Forces located in the National Capital Area together in significantly fewer areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Advertising Program increase of $5.0 million

This funding is to contract the services of an advertising agency to develop material and media plans, and to purchase media on the internet through the Government of Canadas Agency of Record. This will enable PWGSC to develop internet (digital) advertising campaigns, on behalf of government departments and agencies.

Controlled Goods increase of $4.2 million

This planned funding is to enhance the Controlled Goods Program through a set of security and business process improvement measures as a transition to a fee-based program.

Grande-Allée Armoury increase of $2.8 million

This funding is to continue the planning for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Grande-Allée Armoury in Quebec City, which was damaged by fire in 2008. The reconstruction of the Grande-Allée Armoury represents an investment of approximately $104.3 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Revolving Funds decrease of $19.6 million

Revolving Funds provide, on a cost recovery basis, services to other government departments and agencies, as well as provincial and territorial governments. The funding is required due to timing differences between when expenditures are made and when they are recovered. In 2014-15, PWGSCs Revolving Funds (Real Property Services, Translation Bureau and Optional Services) anticipate lower need of cash flow.

Terrasses de la Chaudière decrease of $49.9 million

This decrease is due to the completion of the purchase of Les Terrasses de la Chaudière complex in 2013-14.

Deficit Reduction Action Plan decrease of $57.2 million

In accordance with Budget 2012, PWGSC achieved savings realized through the following initiatives:

  • Space recapture and space modernization;
  • Leveraging technology; streamlining internal departmental operations; and improving efficiency in government operations; and
  • An increase in direct deposit rate for payments issued by the Receiver General on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Remediation decrease of $71.2 million

This decrease is related to the completion in 2013-14 of the land remediation for the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Remediation project.

Other decrease of $1.1 million

This net decrease of $1.1 million is the result of funding variances in miscellaneous projects and activities.

2.2 Significant Changes to Year-to-Date Net Expenditures

As presented in the Departmental Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object, the Total Net Budgetary Expenditures have decreased by $30.3 million when compared to the same quarter of the previous year (2013-14: $900.4 million; 2014-15: $870.1 million).

The proportion of actual expenditures in comparison to planned expenditures is consistent with the previous year, in each major expenditure category, with the exception of Acquisition of Land, Buildings and Works. In 2013-14, 44% of the planned expenditures in this category were spent as at the end of the first quarter, whereas only 8% has been spent at the end of the first quarter of this year. The variance is due to a major purchase that occurred in the first quarter of 2013-14 (Les Terrasses de la Chaudière) which augmented year over year spending.

Overall, total spending to the end of the first quarter represents 33% of annual planned expenditures for 2014-15 which compares to the first quarter of 2013-14 at 34%.

Year-Over Year Variances in Net Expenditures
(presented by Standard Object)

Table Summary The Year-Over-Year Variances in Net Expenditures table summarizes the variances in expenditures, in comparison to the previous fiscal year, by Standard Object.

(in millions of dollars)

  2014-15 Year to date used at quarter end 2013-14 Year to date used at quarter end Year Over Year Variance
Personnel 273.0 293.4 (20.4)
Rentals 340.9 303.0 37.9
Acquisition of Land, Buildings & Works 26.0 95.0 (69.0)
Other Subsidies and Payments 108.5 100.0 8.5
Total Revenues Netted Against Expenditures (428.6) (448.2) 19.6
Other Expenditures 550.3 557.2 (6.9)
Total Net Budgetary Expenditures 870.1 900.4 (30.3)

The net decrease of $30.3 million is mainly attributable to:

Personnel decrease of $20.4 million
  • Severance payments paid out to employees in the first quarter of 2013-14, due to ratified changes to some collective agreements. Eligible employees could opt for a one-time payout of their accumulated severance pay.
Rentals increase of $37.9 million
  • Timing difference in the payment of rental costs. PWGSC will be reimbursed for these costs by other government departments to whom the service is being provided.
  • Commencement of several new building leases in Calgary and Edmonton.
Acquisition of Land, Buildings & Works decrease of $69.0 million
  • Purchase of Les Terrasses de la Chaudière, a key building complex in Gatineau, Quebec, during the first quarter of 2013-14.
  • Reduction in business volume associated with projects for Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to construct and upgrade prisons across Canada (Bill C-25: Truth in Sentencing Act).
Other Subsidies and Payments increase of $8.5 million
  • There are no major variances in Other Subsidies and Payments. However, the amount of $108.5 million expended during the first quarter of 2014-15 includes an amount of $32.7 million for a one-time transition payment to implement salary payment in arrears by the Government of Canada.
Total Revenues Netted Against Expenditures decrease of $19.6 million
  • Reduction in business volume associated with projects for CSC to construct and upgrade prisons across Canada (Bill C-25: Truth in Sentencing Act).
Other Expenditures decrease of $6.9 million
  • The increases in other expenditure categories not listed above are due to the completion of various projects.

3. Risks and Uncertainties

PWGSC integrates risk management principles into business planning, decision-making and organizational processes to minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities across our diverse range of services and operations. Risk management in PWGSC is carried out in accordance with the Departmental Risk Profile, the internal Integrated Risk Management Policy and the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Framework for the Management of Risk.

The following key risks were identified as having a potential financial impact:

  • PWGSC's reliance on cost recovery presents a risk in an environment of reduced expenditures on the part of client departments. To mitigate this risk, PWGSC is working closely with other departments through its client service network to identify these changing requirements and their impact on PWGSC. Thus far, the impact on revenues has been manageable.
  • Risk associated with complex, transformational and interdepartmental major projects and procurements. In order to address these risks, PWGSC has implemented disciplined investment and project management processes; established service agreements and service standards with clear identification of responsibilities; ensured sound contract management; engaged early with client departments and other stakeholders; and developed the Departmental Integrated Investment Plan (IIP).

4. Significant Changes to Operations, Personnel and Programs

Effective June 2, 2014, the Prime Minister appointed a new Associate Deputy Minister.

Following the Royal Assent of the Budget Implementation Act on June 19, 2014, PWGSC officially welcomed a portion of the former Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation as part of its portfolio. 16 employees, as well as the Corporations real property holdings, environmental remediation of former mine sites and human resource legacy obligations of the former Cape Breton Development Corporation are now integrated into PWGSCs portfolio of assets and responsibilities.

5. Budget 2012 Implementation

This section provides an overview of the savings measures announced in Budget 2012 that are being implemented in order to refocus government and programs, make it easier for Canadians and businesses to deal with their government, and modernize and reduce the back office functions.

PWGSC is committed to achieving Budget 2012 cumulative and ongoing savings of $177.6 million by 2018-19. Savings of $1.5 million were achieved in 2012-13 and $28.1 million in 2013-14. For 2014-15, accumulated savings will increase to $85.3 million; savings will increase to $114.2 million in 2015-16 and $162.0 million in 2016-17. These savings support fiscal responsibility and a more effective use of departmental resources. With these changes, and building on progress made in recent years, PWGSC is transforming to better serve its clients through enhanced efficiency and effectiveness, and sound and robust management.

The cumulative savings initiatives for 2014-15, totalling $85.3 million, are in the following areas:

  1. Accommodation and Real Property Services $37.5 million: Contributing to a more affordable public service by reducing office accommodation costs. This will be achieved by working with departments to recapture real property office space in response to reduced accommodation needs. PWGSC has also developed new real property space standards consistent with leading practices, resulting in a reduction in the total amount of government office space by approximately 10%.
  2. Internal Services $22.2 million: Achieving savings by concentrating on core functions, streamlining processes and eliminating redundancies and overlap, thereby ensuring value for taxpayer money. Savings will be achieved by:
    • Reducing internal overhead and information technology (IT) applications;
    • Integrating the financial and real property management systems;
    • Rationalizing redundant print services;
    • Modernizing IT infrastructure to reduce costs; and
    • Winding down of the Investigations and Litigation Office.
  3. Receiver General for Canada $17.4 million: Payments made on behalf of the Government of Canada (e.g. employment insurance payments, income tax refunds, Government of Canada pay and pension cheques) which are currently issued as cheques will, over time, be transitioned to direct deposit. As the initiative relies on the active engagement of other federal departments and agencies, PWGSC has developed targeted plans working with federal departments and agencies, as well as financial institutions and associations.
  4. Linguistic Management and Services - $5.3 million: The Canadian Language Sector Enhancement Program ended in 2012-13.
  5. Specialized Programs and Services $2.9 million: Achieved by optimizing interdepartmental coordination on Greening Government Operations, reducing print publications, and improving efficiency in government operations.

Approved by:

__________________________________
Michelle d'Auray, Deputy Minister
Public Works and Government Services Canada

Gatineau, Canada
August 29, 2014

__________________________________
Alex Lakroni, Chief Financial Officer
Public Works and Government Services Canada

Gatineau, Canada
August 29, 2014

Table 1 - Statement of Authorities (unaudited)
For the quarter ended June 30, 2014

Table Summary The Statement of Authorities compares total authorities available for the year to their utilization for the quarter and year-to-date, compared to the same period of the preceding fiscal year. The statement includes only authorities available for use and granted by Parliament at quarter end.

(in thousands of dollars)

  Fiscal year 2014-15 Fiscal year 2013-14
Total available for use for the year ending March 31, 2015
 Footnote 1Footnote 2
Used during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 Year to date used at quarter end Total available for use for the year ending March 31, 2014
 Footnote 1Footnote 2
Used during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 Year to date used at quarter end
Vote 1
Gross Operating Expenditures 3,088,755 710,611 710,611 3,269,323 740,402 740,402
Vote-Netted Revenues (1,302,683) (264,957) (264,957) (1,363,767) (255,930) (255,930)
Net Operating Expenditures 1,786,072 445,654 445,654 1,905,556 484,472 484,472
Vote 5 - Capital Expenditures 759,964 86,121 86,121 573,196 118,082 118,082
Revolving Fund Authorities
Real Property Services Revolving Fund
Gross Expenditures 1,546,128 218,239 218,239 1,613,309 200,990 200,990
Revenues (1,541,528) (121,808) (121,808) (1,603,309) (146,893) (146,893)
Net Expenditures 4,600 96,431 96,431 10,000 54,097 54,097
Translation Bureau Revolving Fund
Gross Expenditures 161,570 36,979 36,979 183,268 40,802 40,802
Revenues (160,230) (30,310) (30,310) (176,246) (31,462) (31,462)
Net Expenditures 1,340 6,669 6,669 7,022 9,340 9,340
Optional Services Revolving Fund
Gross Expenditures 139,642 7,432 7,432 143,244 11,312 11,312
Revenues (139,642) (11,473) (11,473) (134,760) (13,904) (13,904)
Net Expenditures - (4,041) (4,041) 8,484 (2,592) (2,592)
Total of All Revolving Funds
Gross Expenditures 1,847,340 262,650 262,650 1,939,821 253,105 253,105
Revenues (1,841,400) (163,591) (163,591) (1,914,315) (192,260) (192,260)
Total Revolving Fund Net Expenditures 5,940 99,059 99,059 25,506 60,845 60,845
Other Budgetary Statutory Authorities
Contributions to employee benefit plans 112,068 28,017 28,017 114,739 28,685 28,685
Minister of PWGSC salary and motor car allowance 80 20 20 79 13 13
Refunds of amounts credited to revenues in previous years 124 124 124 - - -
Spending of proceeds from the disposal of surplus Crown assets 352 1 1 419 26 26
Collection agency fees 6 6 6 - - -
Payment in lieu of taxes to municipalities and other taxing authoritiesFootnote 2 - 211,097 211,097 - 208,309 208,309
Total Other Budgetary Statutory Authorities 112,630 239,265 239,265 115,237 237,033 237,033
Total budgetary authorities 2,664,606 870,099 870,099 2,619,495 900,432 900,432
Non-Budgetary Authority
Seized Property Working Capital Account - (7,213) (7,213) - (3,870) (3,870)
TOTAL AUTHORITIES 2,664,606 862,886 862,886 2,619,495 896,562 896,562

Table 2 - Departmental Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object (unaudited)
For the quarter ended June 30, 2014

Table Summary The Departmental Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object table illustrates variances in expenditures in relation to planned expenditures, compared to the same period of the preceding fiscal year.

(in thousands of dollars)

  Fiscal year 2014-15 Fiscal year 2013-14
Planned expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2014
  Footnote 1Footnote 2
Expended during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 Year to date used at quarter end Planned expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2014  Footnote 1Footnote 2 Expended during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 Year to date used at quarter end
Expenditures
Personnel 1,140,230 272,941 272,941 1,145,220 293,360 293,360
Transportation and Communications 81,428 15,360 15,360 95,014 17,406 17,406
Information 11,107 1,722 1,722 10,795 1,801 1,801
Professional and Special Services 1,493,048 169,252 169,252 1,499,007 168,976 168,976
Rentals 939,707 340,856 340,856 999,325 302,993 302,993
Repair and Maintenance 988,157 125,230 125,230 1,100,803 131,107 131,107
Utilities, Materials and Supplies 242,307 22,678 22,678 239,597 27,387 27,387
Acquisition of land, buildings and works 317,964 26,056 26,056 216,034 95,010 95,010
Acquisition of machinery and equipment 66,560 4,951 4,951 77,072 2,310 2,310
Transfer payments Footnote 2 - 211,097 211,097 - 208,309 208,309
Other subsidies and payments 528,180 108,504 108,504 514,710 99,963 99,963
Total gross budgetary expenditures 5,808,688 1,298,647 1,298,647 5,897,577 1,348,622 1,348,622
Less revenues netted against expenditures
Revolving Fund Revenues (1,841,399) (163,591) (163,591) (1,914,315) (192,260) (192,260)
Vote-Netted Revenues (1,302,683) (264,957) (264,957) (1,363,767) (255,930) (255,930)
Total revenues netted against expenditures (3,144,082) (428,548) (428,548) (3,278,082) (448,190) (448,190)
TOTAL NET BUDGETARY EXPENDITURES 2,664,606 870,099 870,099 2,619,495 900,432 900,432

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Includes only Authorities available for use and approved by Parliament at quarter-end. Amounts may not balance with other public documents due to rounding.

Return to first footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

Consistent with the presentation in the Main Estimates, Total available for use for the year, for both 2014-15 and 2013-14, under Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), is presented net of planned PILT made to municipalities and the equivalent planned recoveries from other government departments. A description of PILT is provided in Section 1.3 of this report.

Return to first footnote 2 referrer