The Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee on Science and Technology, recognizing an opportunity for science-based departments and agencies to collaborate and cost-share the implementation of the Framework, struck an interdepartmental Sub-Committee on Science and Technology Advice. The Sub-Committee undertook the following initiatives:
The following sections describe three of the initiatives undertaken by the Sub-Committee on S&T Advice.
An interdepartmental committee under the chairmanship of the Privy Council Office (PCO) prepared a science advice checklist (see Appendix 6) for Memoranda to Cabinet (MCs) and Regulatory Impact Assessment Statements (RIASs). The checklist is aimed at informing senior officials of a department and their Minister about the science and technology advice processes leading to policy formulation and decision making. (An example of a completed checklist relating to a RIAS undertaken by the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada is provided in Appendix 7.)
There is no requirement to submit the completed checklist along with the MC or RIAS. However, it should be acknowledged in Cabinet documents that the federal Framework for Science and Technology Advice has been adhered to, and information should be provided in the Cabinet document on the sources of science advice, levels of uncertainty and risk, and recommended review period, at a minimum.
The checklist could also serve as a useful planning tool to ensure that all the requisite aspects of a science and technology advisory process are in place or planned for.
In October 2001, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) hosted the first federal workshop on Best Practices in Science and Technology Advice, which was attended by representatives of over 15 federal departments and agencies (approximately 100 participants).
Seven case studies were presented at the workshop by representatives from the five natural resources departments as well as the Department of National Defence and Industry Canada. The case studies highlighted the unique approaches employed, the barriers that were overcome and the lessons learned. The case studies demonstrated that there is no one best approach or best practice when it comes to developing, communicating and using science advice, but a series of good approaches led by competent and committed individuals.
The workshop also offered an opportunity for the participants to examine the Framework principles in more detail, and to identify some of the key issues and challenges related to their interpretation.
A number of the good practices raised at the workshop have been included in the self-assessment worksheet.
Environment Canada and NRCan developed a two-day pilot training course designed to ensure a common understanding of how science and technology advice and decision making interact in the policy process, examine the key stages of decision making and enhance awareness of the Framework and its specific principles and guidelines.
