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NETWORKS

1. Portfolio Networks

Each ministerial portfolio is different, therefore the extent and appropriateness of networking can vary between portfolios. Agency heads and Deputy Ministers should discuss portfolio networking opportunities. As a general rule, Deputy Ministers should meet regularly with agency heads in the portfolio to exchange information on government policies, legislative changes, and management practices. For their part, agency heads need to understand their role, be assured of their independence and, where appropriate, participate in decision-making.

2. Agency Heads Lunch and Update Program

A small steering committee of agency heads, with support from the Canadian Centre for Management Development (CCMD) arranges regular luncheon meetings for agency heads with guest speakers who address topics of current interest.

There is also a ½ day to 1 day program, run once or twice a year at CCMD’s De La Salle Campus, to update heads of agencies on matters of interest to them or developments that may affect the operation of their agency.

The steering committee also meets regularly with representatives of central agencies to discuss topics of interest to agency heads.

The Chair of the steering committee contacts all new appointees to make them aware of these programs, but information can also be obtained from CCMD. (See Annex D)

3. Small Agencies Administrators Network (SAAN)

The members of the SAAN are the senior administrative officers (e.g. Executive Director or Legal Counsel) of 42 small agencies, who meet each month to address issues of special interest to small agencies. They are particularly concerned with central agency procedures and reporting requirements, etc., which need to be adapted to the small agency environment.

4. Training and Development Programs

CCMD has offered a variety of programs over the years responding to needs expressed by agency heads. These have included programs focusing on orientation for new appointees, leadership, and preparing for appearances before parliamentary committees. In addition, a special five day training program for members of administrative tribunals was developed jointly by tribunal staff and CCMD and is offered two to twice a year in English and in French depending on demand. (See Annex D)

5. Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals

This is a national network organization, dedicated to the improvement of administrative justice, and is open to members and staff of all federal, provincial and territorial administrative tribunals. CCAT promotes contact between participating tribunals and members, raises public and government awareness, develops policy positions and makes representations to governments, ensures educational opportunities and training programs and supports tribunals and members through provision of services. Its annual conference is often held in Ottawa in May or June.

A non-profit corporation with government affiliation, concerned with all aspects of the criminal and civil justice systems. Includes an Administrative Tribunals Committee that designs and sponsors training courses and educational seminars.

The Deputy Minister of Justice hosts informal discussions in Ottawa three or four times a year with heads of several federal tribunals and senior officials from the Privy Council Office and Treasury Board Secretariat, on matters of common interest. Participating tribunals (currently fourteen) are those required to reach binding decisions through processes subject to the rules of fairness or natural justice.

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