Archived - Understanding the Annual Report on the State of Performance Measurement in Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada for 2011-12 and 2012-13

The Treasury Board Secretariat Directive of the Evaluation Function requires that departmental heads of evaluation prepare an annual report on the state of performance measurement of programs in support of evaluation.

In 2009, AANDC tabled its first report, which covered activities from 2008-2009. In 2011, AANDC completed its second report covering activities from 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Both reports identified ten attributes of quality performance measurement systems in high performing organizations. These attributes were employed as benchmarking criteria against which the AANDC performance measurement activities could be examined. These criteria formed the basis of this third report, completed in 2013, which covered activities from 2011-12 and 2012-13.

These reports are not audits nor are they ‘report cards' on the department's activities, rather they are the result of an interactive internal process that includes a document and literature review, interviews, and surveys. The purpose of the report is to provide an objective and comprehensive assessment of the state of performance measurement at AANDC, which in turn is intended to support the ongoing assessments of relevance and performance of AANDC programming.

The most recent report has indeed found that there is significant room for improvement toward anchoring AANDC's operations and programs and services with a stronger, more effective results-based management culture. However, the report does note progress in a priority area for the government - reducing the reporting burden on recipients.

While there is no requirement to post these reports publicly, the department voluntarily does so to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability and will follow up on the next steps outlined in this annual report.