| No. | Project Name | Board | Alignment to Strategic Outcomes |
Rationale | Scope & Objectives | Required Resources | Risk Rating | Priority Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM | $’000 | L/M/H | L/M/H *man- dated |
||||||
| Carry-over from 2008-2009 | |||||||||
| 1. | Clean Air Agenda – Evaluation Oversight (Interdepartmental – led by Environment Canada) |
EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | Through the Clean Air Agenda (CAA), the Government of Canada is working towards
meeting its commitments to achieve tangible improvements in Canada's environment,
including reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The CAA is a four-year, $1.9-billion horizontal strategy involving the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda ($0.35
billion) and complementary program measures ($1.55 billion). Eight federal departments
and agencies are involved in designing and delivering more than 40 programs under 8
themes within the overall Agenda. This project responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. |
The objective of this project is to oversee and coordinate the departmental thematic evaluations under the Clean Air Agenda. | 0.5 | * | ||
| 2. | Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) (Clean Air Agenda theme) - Thematic Evaluation Plan |
EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | The Government’s Clean Air Regulatory Agenda is a major regulatory initiative, larger than
any previous regulatory action taken by the federal government (20 percent reduction in
GHG emissions from 2006 to 2020). Timelines set to achieve outcomes under this agenda
are demanding and will require sustained and intensive efforts in consultations, regulatory
policy development and related activities. CARA is a high risk area as identified in the AEB 2008-2009 risk assessment due to programming and regulatory complexity and risks to the Department’s reputation. There are also risks associated with air pollution and the environment and human health. This project also responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project is 80% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q2. |
The objective of this project is to
develop an evaluation plan for the
Clean Air Regulatory Agenda
(CARA) Thematic Evaluation
planned for 2009-2010. Work on this evaluation plan began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. The Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) Thematic Evaluation will be conducted in 2009-2010. |
0.25 | * | ||
| 3. | Weather Predictions Evaluation Plan | WES | Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians | The Weather Predictions Program has not yet been evaluated, though a number of related
audits and evaluations have taken place or are underway, for example Air Quality Index by
the CESD, the OAG Audit on Severe Weather, and the Evaluation of MSC Transition. Forecasting is increasingly done using numerical environmental-prediction models, making a major failure of the Department’s supercomputer a significant risk. This is mitigated by ensuring a robust and reliable supercomputing facility with protection systems such as uninterruptible power supplies, and by securing access to foreign models (e.g. United States, Europe). An upcoming core investment in supercomputing is valued at $12 million per year. Salary and O&M for the Weather Predictions Program account for $30 million per year and a new contract for up to $100 million is issued every seven years. A decision was made by management to postpone this evaluation from 2008-2009 to 2009-2010, and look at how the work underway could inform this evaluation. This project is 70% completed. The evaluation plan will be completed in Q2. |
The objective of this project is to
develop an evaluation plan for the
weather predictions program, with an
emphasis on the role of
science/research in support of weather
predictions. The Evaluation of the Weather Predictions Program will be conducted in 2009-2010. |
0.50 | |||
| 4. | Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (Interdepartmental – led by Environment Canada) |
EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | FCSAP is a highly complex horizontal initiative that is being delivered by fifteen federal
custodians. Environment Canada co-leads administration of this program with the Treasury
Board Secretariat and is governed by an ADM-level Steering Committee. As such, this
initiative exposes Environment Canada to risks associated with both business processes due
to its complexity and third party dependency, and in particular a dependency on federal
financial assistance programs that provide funding for activities related to federal
contaminated sites. This initiative also requires a high degree of knowledge; this exposes Environment Canada to risks associated with knowledge capital. In addition to the above rationale, this evaluation will respond to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project is 95% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this evaluation is to
conduct a formative evaluation of the
Federal Contaminated Sites Action
Plan. The 2008-2009 interdepartmental program evaluation of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan was led by Environment Canada; the report was approved by DEC in February 2009, and work conducted in 2009-2010 will focus on finalizing the evaluation process and posting the report. |
0.10 | * | ||
| 5. | EcoAction Funding | ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | EcoAction Funding is an aspect of the Conservation Partnerships and Programs Sub sub-activity, a highly visible program subject to considerable oversight and compliance
requirements. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project is 90% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
conduct a summative evaluation of
the effectiveness of the EcoAction
Funding program. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.50 | * | ||
| 6. | Habitat Stewardship Contribution Program | ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | An evaluation of the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) was carried out in 2003-2004.
HSP is an aspect of the Conservation Partnerships and Programs Sub sub-activity, a highly
visible program subject to considerable oversight. It is a fairly complex initiative with a
high degree of compliance requirements and obligations, including the Migratory Birds
Convention Act, Species at Risk Act, Canada Wildlife Act, etc. This exposes Environment
Canada to risks associated with the violation of laws, regulations, international treaties and
agreements and policies. In addition, this initiative has considerable dependencies that include partnerships with other government department such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency, as well as with other stakeholders such as provinces, ENGOs, and individuals. These dependencies expose Environment Canada to the risk of failures on the part of third parties on which it relies to deliver the program. In addition to the above, this evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. As part of the Species at Risk Program, the HSP will also be considered in the Federal Species at Risk Program evaluation planned for 2010–2011. This project is 80% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the effectiveness of the
Habitat Stewardship Program. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including report completion, preparation to take it to DEC, and project closure. |
1.0 | * | ||
| 7. | Environmental Damages Fund | ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | The Environmental Damages Fund is an aspect of the Conservation Partnerships and
Programs Sub sub-activity, a highly visible program subject to considerable oversight and
compliance requirements. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat
requirement. This project is 85% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the effectiveness of the
Environmental Damages Fund. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.5 | * | ||
| 8. | Grants to support Environmental Research and Development | IS | Integration and Enabling Services contribute to achieving departmental strategic objectives | This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement for renewal and
Federal Accountability Act requirement for Gs & Cs. This project is 85% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the class Grants to Support
Environmental Research and
Development, one of Environment
Canada's four class transfer payment
programs. One report will be produced to cover results from the four class grants and contributions programs. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.10 | * | ||
| 9. | Contributions to support Environmental Research and Development | IS | Integration and Enabling Services contribute to achieving departmental strategic objectives | This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement for renewal and
Federal Accountability Act requirement for Gs & Cs. This project is 85% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the class Contributions to
Support Environmental Research and
Development, one of Environment
Canada's four class transfer payment
programs. One report will be produced to cover results from the four class grants and contributions programs. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.10 | * | ||
| 10. | Contributions to support Environmental and Sustainable Development Initiatives | IS | Integration and Enabling Services contribute to achieving departmental strategic objectives | This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement for renewal and
Federal Accountability Act requirement for Gs & Cs. This project is 85% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the class Contributions to
Support Environmental and
Sustainable Development Initiatives,
one of Environment Canada's four
class transfer payment programs. One report will be produced to cover results from the four class grants and contributions programs. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.10 | * | ||
| 11. | Contributions to support Canada’s International Commitments | IS | Integration and Enabling Services contribute to achieving departmental strategic objectives | This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement for renewal and
Federal Accountability Act requirement for Gs & Cs. This project is 85% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the class Contributions to
Support Environmental and
Sustainable Development Initiatives,
one of Environment Canada's four
class transfer payment programs. One report will be produced to cover results from the four class grants and contributions programs. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.10 | * | ||
| 12. | Invasive Alien Species Strategy | ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | In September 2004, the federal government and its provincial and territorial counterparts
introduced An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada to reduce the risk of invasive
alien species and conserve our ecosystems. This strategy helps prevent new invasions;
detect and respond rapidly to new invasive alien species; and manage established invasive
alien species through eradication, containment, and control. This program presents risks
associated with obligations to mitigate natural and human hazards, and to fulfill partnership
agreements. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project is 85% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the Invasive Alien Species
Strategy. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.25 | * | ||
| 13. | Enforcement Program | EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | The Enforcement Program received an increase in funding in Budget 2007 and 2008. It is a
complex program with regulations under multiple acts (CEPA, Canada Wildlife Act, section
36 of Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Wild Animal and Plant Protection and
Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, and SARA). In addition, the
Enforcement Program includes a broad range of stakeholders at domestic and national
levels. These factors expose Environment Canada to risks associated with a lack of
diligence, transparency and process integrity in operations and stakeholders engagement as
their role is an integral part of the program. Because the function of the Enforcement Program is entirely regulatory, Environment Canada is also exposed to risks associated with violation of laws, regulations, international treaties and agreements and policies that mandate a high degree of compliance. The knowledge and skill requirements of the Enforcement Program necessitate Program officers to have both general and specific knowledge to enforce regulations. This can affect the ability of Environment Canada to recruit and retain sufficient and appropriate human resources. In addition, analytical and scientific information may be insufficient to appropriately support departmental decision making. The Enforcement Program has a high degree of dependency on the input and collaboration of internal program managers and the collaboration of other federal departments and international organizations (e.g., US EPA). This exposes the Department to risks associated with third party dependencies. A commitment was made to the Treasury Board Secretariat to evaluate the Enforcement Program in 2008–2009. The CESD has an audit of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement planned for Fall 2011. This project is 75% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q2. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the effectiveness of the
Enforcement Program. The
evaluation will include assessment of
the Environmental Protection
Intelligence Program. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation of the report, preparation to take it to DEC, and project closure. |
4.0 | * | ||
| 14. | National Agri-environmental Standards Initiative (NAESI) | ES | This program ended in March 2008 and no formal audits or evaluations have been done.
Also, this evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement and program
request. This project is 80% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q1. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the National Agri-environmental Standards Initiative. The scope of the evaluation will include an assessment of the results and effectiveness of the Standards and their application and alignment with the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) environment chapter programs. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.75 | * | |||
| 15. | Chemicals Management Plan – Evaluation Plan (Interdepartmental with Health Canada) |
EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | The Chemical Management Plan was identified in the 2008-2009 AEB Risk Assessment as
high risk given the potential impact of chemicals on human health and the environment if
toxic and other harmful substances are not assessed and managed effectively. There is an
additional risk of not having pollution information to provide to Canadians to aid in
decision making and action. Furthermore, the program responds to regulatory requirements
under CEPA and presents compliance risks. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project is 60% completed. The evaluation plan will be completed in Q2. |
The objective of this project is to
develop a performance measurement
and evaluation plan for the Chemicals
Management Plan. The scope of this work will include an assessment of efficiencies from the reorganization of responsibilities and the sharing of work. A decision was taken with Health Canada to postpone the evaluation plan from 2007–2008 to 2008–2009. Work on the plan began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. The Evaluation of the Chemicals Management Plan will begin in 2009-2010 and conclude in 2010-2011. |
1.0 | * | ||
| 16. | Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) (Interdepartmental led by Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) |
ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | A commitment to evaluate SEA was made in 2004 pursuant to a recommendation by the
CESD. Work is ongoing to evaluate business processes, IM/IT, and overall program
delivery to meet mandated requirements. This project is 70% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q2. |
The objective of this project will be to
evaluate the effectiveness of SEA
process and procedures. The evaluation is a component of a planned government-wide evaluation (horizontal) of Strategic Environmental Assessment (including the cabinet directive of 2004). Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.25 | |||
| 17. | Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products (BPC) (Interdepartmental evaluation led by Health Canada) |
EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | Environment Canada received a total of $8 million in funding over fiscal years 2002–2003
to 2007–2008. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project is 50% completed. The evaluation report will be completed in Q2. |
The objective of this project is to
conduct a summative evaluation on
the delivery, design and governance
of the BPC Initiative. The evaluation will involve six federal departments and agencies, including Environment Canada. Work on this evaluation began in 2008-2009 and will be completed in 2009-2010, including preparation to take it to DEC and project closure. |
0.25 | * | ||
| Planned for 2009-2010 | |||||||||
| 18. | Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) Thematic Evaluation | EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | The Clean Air Regulatory Agenda is a major regulatory initiative, larger than any previous
regulatory action taken by the federal government. The goal is to reduce both greenhouse
gas emissions and air pollution through regulations and investments, coupled with actions
being taken by provincial and territorial governments. The target is a 20 percent reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 from 2006 emissions levels. Timelines set to achieve outcomes under this agenda are demanding and will require sustained and intensive efforts in consultations, regulatory policy development, and related activities. CARA was designated a high risk area in the 2008-2009 AEB Risk Assessment because of the programming and regulatory complexity and risk associated with the reputation of the Department. More broadly, risks to the environment and human health due to air pollution were identified. In addition, this evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This evaluation will begin in Q1 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q1 of 2010-2011. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the CARA Theme. As one
of eight themes under the
government’s Clean Air Agenda
(CAA), a single theme-level
evaluation will be undertaken. The evaluation will assess the ensemble of programs designed to respond to the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda Theme within the CAA. The results of the evaluation will inform future regulatory initiatives and feed into a CAA level roll-up of evaluation findings from across the eight theme areas in 2010-2011. |
2.5 | TB Sub. | H | M* |
| 19. | International Actions Thematic Evaluation | EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | The International Actions Theme was designated a high risk area identified in the 2008-2009 AEB Risk Assessment because of the risk that the Department may not meet national
and international commitments, which could damage the Department’s reputation. In addition, this evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This evaluation will begin in Q1 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the International Actions
Theme. As one of eight themes under
the government’s CAA, a single
theme-level evaluation will be
undertaken. The results of the evaluation will inform future international initiatives and feed into a CAA level roll-up of evaluation findings from across the eight theme areas in 2010-2011. |
2.5 | TB Sub. | H | M* |
| 20. | Clean Air Community Partnerships Thematic | EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | This Program has not been publically announced so an evaluation not yet possible; an
evaluation plan was to be presented to DEC in February 2009. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the Clean Air Community
Partnerships Theme. As one of eight themes under the government’s CAA,
a single theme-level evaluation will
be undertaken. The results of the evaluation will inform future partnership initiatives and feed into a CAA level roll-up of evaluation findings from across the eight theme areas in 2010-2011. |
0.0 | H | M* | |
| 21. | Evaluation of the National Air Quality Health Index (NAQHI) | WES | Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians | It should be noted that an audit of the air quality health index is being finalized by the
CESD with positive results. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This evaluation will begin in Q1 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the National Air Quality
Health Index program. NAQHI is one
of two programs under the Adaptation
theme of the Government’s Clean Air
Agenda in which Environment
Canada is involved. The results of the evaluation will inform the ongoing management and delivery of the NAQHI, form part of the Adaptation Thematic Roll-up in 2010-2011, and feed into a CAA-level roll-up of evaluation findings from across the eight theme areas in 2010-2011. |
2.5 | TB Sub | H | M* |
| 22. | Improved Climate Change Scenarios Evaluation | EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This evaluation will begin in Q1 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the Improved Climate
Change Scenarios program. This
program is one of two programs under
the adaptation theme of the CAA in
which EC is involved. The results of the evaluation will inform future climate change initiatives, form part of the Adaptation Thematic Roll-up in 2010-2011, and feed into a CAA-level roll-up of evaluation findings from across the eight theme areas in 2010-2011. |
6.0 | TB Sub | H | M* |
| 23. | Clean Air Agenda (CAA) Management and Accountability Theme Evaluation | IS | Integration and Enabling Services contribute to achieving departmental strategic objectives | The Horizontal Management Accountability and Reporting Framework is intended to
support and facilitate achievement of CAA results by providing a framework for planning,
decision- making, monitoring and reporting on clean air programs and themes. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This evaluation will begin in Q2 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q1 of 2010-2011. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the ensemble of programs
designed to respond to the Horizontal
Management Accountability Results
Framework theme within the
government's Clean Air Agenda. As the final of eight themes for the CAA, the HMARF evaluation will feed into a CAA level roll-up of evaluation findings from across the eight theme areas in 2010-2011. |
2.5 | TB Sub | M | M* |
| 24. | Chemicals Management Plan Evaluation (Interdepartmental with Health Canada) |
EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | The Chemical Management Plan was identified in the 2008-2009 AEB Risk Assessment as
high risk given the potential impact of chemicals on human health and the environment if
toxic and other harmful substances are not assessed and managed effectively. There is an
additional risk of not having pollution information to provide to Canadians to aid in
decision making and action. Furthermore, the program responds to regulatory requirements
under CEPA and presents compliance risks. In addition, this evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This evaluation will begin in Q1 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q4 of 2010-2011. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the Chemicals Management
Plan. The scope of this work will
include an assessment of efficiencies
from the reorganization of
responsibilities and the sharing of
work. The evaluation will start in 2009-2010 and will conclude in 2010-2011. |
4.5 | TB Sub | H | M* |
| 25. | Great Lakes Action Plan | ES | Canada's natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced | The Great Lakes Action Plan sunsets in 2010, with potential for renewal. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project will begin in Q1 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to evaluate the Great Lakes Action Plan. | 6.0 | M | M* | |
| 26. | Federal Species at Risk Program - Evaluation Plan (Interdepartmental led by EC) |
ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | In 2006, a formative evaluation of the SAR Program was completed; while this evaluation
demonstrated important progress, it did identify significant outstanding challenges. A
management action plan to respond to the evaluation’s recommendations was developed
and implementation is closely tracked. The Federal Species at Risk Program has recently undergone a reorganization to simplify the Program structure by merging the Sub sub-activities. Nonetheless, the Program can be characterized by a high degree of complexity given its decentralized operations and the processes associated with COSEWIC. The Program also has a high degree of compliance requirements and obligations, in particular the Species at Risk Act, Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada, and various Bilateral agreements under SARA. There is a high level of knowledge required to properly conduct operations for this Program and it is highly dependent on external parties for successful operations (for example cooperative arrangements with provinces/territories, provision of funding to Aboriginal people and stakeholders for implementation). Environment Canada is exposed to risks associated with failures on the part of third parties on which it relies to deliver the program. This Program is also inherently exposed to risks associated with natural hazards. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project will begin in Q2 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to
develop an evaluation plan for the
Federal Species at Risk Program. An evaluation will be undertaken in 2010-2011. |
3.0 | 35 | M | M* |
| 27. | Renewable Fuels - Evaluation Plan | EP | Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | Renewable Fuels is subject to recent changes and ongoing changes in the external
environment; these external conditions put pressure on internal resources. Environment
Canada is exposed to risks associated with not being able to adapt to changing business
conditions. The Renewable Fuels Program is also quite complex as it is related to multiple federal frameworks (also, Budget 2008 accelerated access to renewable fuels). As such, Environment Canada’s financial resources may not be aligned with its strategic goals. There are considerable legislative and compliance requirements as the Program is regulatory (under CEPA). While data quality systems do exist, information may not be always be available to Departmental decision-makers. The Renewable Fuels Program also has considerable interdependencies with other government departments and provinces. In addition, this evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project will begin in Q3 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to
develop an evaluation plan for the
Regulation of Renewable Fuels
context in Gasoline, Diesel and Home
Heating Fuel. The evaluation is to be undertaken in 2011-2012. |
1.5 | H | M* | |
| 28. | Freshwater Initiatives - Evaluation Plans | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | Environment Canada is carrying out its work under the Action Plan for Clean Water
through $96 million in clean-up funding to restore Lake Simcoe, Lake Winnipeg, and Areas
of Concern in the Great Lakes. The CESD audited Water in 2001 and Drinking Water in 2005. In both instances the Department has been encouraged to reassess its role and develop clear action plans to carry out its commitments for management of freshwater water. This evaluation responds to a Treasury Board Secretariat requirement. This project will begin in Q1 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q1 of 2010-2011. |
The objective of this project is to develop evaluation plans for the evaluation of Lake Simcoe (2010-2011), Lake Winnipeg (2010-2011), and the Great Lakes (2015-2016) Freshwater Initiatives under the Action Plan on Clean Water. | 6.75 | M | M* | ||
| 29. | 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Interdepartmental led by 2010 Secretariat, Canadian Heritage) |
ES, WES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risk and contribute to the well-being of Canadians |
Environment Canada received $13 million for the 2010 Winter Games meteorological
program and sustainability. An interdepartmental evaluation (led by Canadian Heritage)
will be conducted. This project will begin in Q2 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q1 of 2010-2011. |
The scope and objectives of this evaluation will be developed early in 2009-2010. | 0.75 | M | M | |
| 30. | Weather Predictions Program (potential joint audit- evaluation project – collaborative approach) | WES | Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risk and contribute to the well-being of Canadians | The Weather Predictions Program has not yet been evaluated, though a number of related
audits and evaluations have taken place or are underway, for example Air Quality Index by the CESD, the OAG Audit on Severe Weather Event and the Evaluation of MSC Transition. Forecasting is increasingly done using numerical environmental-prediction models, making a major failure of the Department’s supercomputer a significant risk. This is mitigated by ensuring a robust and reliable supercomputing facility with protection systems such as uninterruptible power supplies, and by securing access to foreign models (e.g. United States, Europe). An upcoming core investment in supercomputing is valued at $12 million per year. Salary and O&M for the Weather Predictions Program account for $30 million per year and a new contract for up to $100 million is issued every seven years. This project will begin in Q2 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q1 of 2010-2011. |
The objective of this project is to
evaluate the Weather Predictions Program. The emphasis of the
evaluation will be on the role of
science/research in support of weather
predictions. One focus of the evaluation could be to draw lessons learned from recent ISO certification. This is a potential joint audit and evaluation project. The scope of this evaluation is still to be finalized. |
10.5 | 55 | H | M |
| 31. | Water Management – Evaluation Plan | ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | Water management was identified as a risk in the 2009-2010 AE Risk Assessment and
management consultations. Water Management is a highly visible and complex program
with many different activities throughout the Department that contribute to the achievement
of its mandate. Because of the complexity of the program, the Department is exposed to
risks associated with the misalignment of activities, priorities and financial resources and
risks associated with inappropriate or inadequate business processes. The Program also
requires a high level of scientific knowledge. Water Management is subject to a moderate level of compliance, characterized by various legal commitments that include domestic Water Boards, Binational / IJC Boards, International River Improvements Act (IRIA), Canadian Water Act (CWA). This exposes the Department to risks associated with violation of laws, regulations, international treaties/agreements and policies. The Program also has many dependencies with other programs, relies on collaboration with sub-activities, other federal departments, private and non-profit sector organizations. Due to the high degree of dependencies, there are risks associated with the failure on the part of third parties on which the Department depends. In addition, bilateral partners are developing their own water plans and asking about the federal position. The 2005 CESD audit of Drinking Water observed that the current status of the federal water Framework was unclear and its future uncertain. In 2008, the CESD found that EC has made unsatisfactory progress on issues raised in the 2001 Water audit. While the department has recently clarified some responsibilities, it still has not clearly specified who is responsible for carrying out all the required remedial actions, who will pay for those efforts, and within what timelines the actions will be taken. In addition, no formal policy or performance framework exists for this program, though a federal Water Strategy review is currently underway. Overall, there is a risk that Environment Canada will not be able to sustain a leadership and management capacity with the right competencies and knowledge to meet its requirements. This project will begin in Q2 and will be completed in Q4. |
The objective of this project is to
develop an evaluation plan for water
management, with emphasis on the
appropriateness, design, effectiveness,
and efficiency of Environment
Canada’s current approach to water
management across the Department. The evaluation of Water Management will be conducted in 2010-2011. |
4 | 25 | H | H |
| 32. | Wildlife Habitat Canada Foundation | ES | Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced | The Federal Accountability Act requires that Grants and Contributions be evaluated on a
five-year cycle. This evaluation is required by Treasury Board Secretariat in 2010-2011. The project will begin in Q3 of 2009-2010 and will be completed in Q2 of 2010-2011. |
The objective of this project is to evaluate the performance of the Wildlife Habitat Canada Foundation contribution program. | 6.0 | 40 | M | M* |
| 33. | Evaluation Follow-ups | All | Evaluation follow-ups are required to provide management assurance that previous
evaluation recommendations are acted upon. This is an ongoing project that will be
conducted throughout Q1 and Q4. To this end, evaluation will monitor the implementation of past recommendations of the following evaluations:
|
The objective of this project will be to monitor the implementation of past recommendations. | 1.5 | ||||
7 The two remaining open recommendations will be examined in the context of the Evaluation of National Air Quality Health Index (NAQHI) scheduled to be completed in FY 2009-2010. [Back]