One of the key objectives of Modern Comptrollership is to create a strategic framework
within which financial and non-financial information and analysis can be considered, and
from which results-oriented performance reporting can be developed for the credible
communication of the Governments intentions, choices and rationale for programs and
services to Canadians. The following paragraphs highlight public
performance measurement and reporting mechanisms which are relevant to
agency heads.1. Improved
Reporting to Parliament
The Government of Canada is committed not only to measuring and reporting on results,
but also to establishing clear standards against which actual performance will be
reported. Three parliamentary instruments are crucial in working towards these objectives.
The government-wide report on performance, Accounting for Results, tabled each fall as
part of the "Fall Reporting Package," summarizes the key results commitments of
all federal departments and agencies. Reports on Plans and Priorities, which are tabled in
the spring along with the governments Main Estimates, establish the specific goals
against which actual performance will be measured. Departmental Performance Reports are
Estimates documents which are tabled in the fall. They report on results and achievements
against the commitments and targets that were established in the government-wide report
and the departmental Reports on Plans on Priorities. The Departmental Performance Reports
and the Reports on Plans and Priorities replace the previous Part III of the Estimates as
part of the Improved Reporting to Parliament Project.
2. Performance Measurement and Reporting
It is government policy that agencies measure and be able to credibly demonstrate the
performance of their programs and activities. Measuring results and other important
aspects of performance and reporting to Parliament on performance
are important components of the Governments broader initiative to implement
results-based management, enhance policy capacity and promote continuous learning.
The Government direction and policy is to provide members of Parliament and the public
with relevant, accurate, consolidated, and timely information on how tax dollars are being
spent and what Canadians receive as a result. In particular, as part of the annual
Estimates process by which Parliament supplies the Government with resources to carry out
its mandate, all departments and agencies now provide annually Departmental Performance
Reports to report on results achieved.
These Departmental Performance Reports are based upon departmental key result
commitments, tabled in the annual government-wide report, Accounting for Results, and the
corresponding performance measurement strategies which focus on the outcomes of government
policies and programs. The government-wide and departmental reports are tabled in
Parliament each fall by the President of the Treasury Board and may be referred to the
relevant Standing Committee of the House of Common for further review.
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