PACC Committee Report

RECOMMENDATION 8

That senior management of departments and agencies be required to include, in their annual performance reports, signed statements attesting to the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the information provided therein. This requirement should take effect beginning with the annual performance reports for the period ending 31 March 2002.

Conclusion

The Office of the Auditor General performs valuable work for Parliament and Canadians. The Office indicates that it is committed to making a difference for Canadians by encouraging positive changes in Canada’s federal institutions. It has done this by concentrating on five main priorities: improvement of the government’s financial position, accountability, effective financial management, public service renewal, and protection of the environment. The Office has also made a difference by ensuring that departments and agencies do what they are mandated to do and that they achieve value-for-money.

Based on its ongoing experience with the work of the Office, and on the evidence presented in its recent Performance Report, the Committee is fully satisfied that the Office is meeting its commitment and addressing its priorities. The Office’s Report on Plans and Priorities is in keeping with this commitment and maps out how it will maintain its focus on its priorities. The Committee is deeply concerned, however, that unless funding requirements are fulfilled, the ability of the Office to serve Parliament and Canadians may be significantly diminished. A positive and timely response to the Committee’s recommendations will ensure that the Office can maintain the high quality of work that Parliament and Canadians have come to rely upon.

Pursuant to Standing Order 109, your Committee requests that the Government table a comprehensive response to this report.

A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 11 and 18) is tabled.

Respectfully submitted,

John Williams, M.P.
Chair