ARCHIVED - Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

This page has been archived.

2009-10
Report on Plans and Priorities

Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Supplementary Information (Tables)

---

Table of Contents

• Details on Transfer Payments Programs
• Green Procurement
• Sustainable Development Strategy
• Internal Audits
• Evaluations
• Sources of Respendable and Non-respendable Revenue

Details of Transfer Payment Programs (TPP)¹

Community Diversification program (voted item)
Start date: April 1, 2007	End date: March 31, 2012

Description: The Community Diversification program helps Quebec regions maintain and develop their economic activity base. A community’s vitality depends on its ability to develop, grow and thrive by building on its own assets. It has the following three objectives: fostering communities’ development and increasing their mobilization by drawing up visions and projects of local and regional scope; assisting communities through support for entrepreneurship and through creation or maintenance of viable enterprises; and increasing communities’ capability to attract tourists and skilled individuals.

Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base

Expected results:

• Communities are pursuing a development vision and implementing resulting initiatives.
• Enterprises are contributing to community economic growth and maintenance.
• Communities are recognized for their distinctiveness, brand image and outreach.

(in thousands of dollars)	Forecast spending 2008-2009	Planned spending 2009-2010	Planned spending 2010-2011	Planned spending 2011-2012
Program activity: Development of communities
Grants	600	600	600	600
Contributions	70,232	94,303	93,063	95,527
Total transfer payments	70,832	94,903	93,663	96,127

Planned evaluations: An assessment of program implementation is to be completed in 2009, and an impact assessment of the program is to be completed in 2012.

Business and Regional Growth Program (voted item)
Start date: April 1, 2007	End date: March 31, 2012

Description: The Business and Regional Growth Program reinforces conditions conducive to the sustainable growth of regions and SMEs. It aims to help enterprises improve their performance, become more competitive and engage in more innovation to facilitate their sustainable development; support the transfer of technology and research outputs to enterprises; and create the right conditions to attract foreign investment and international organizations.

Strategic outcome: Presence of conditions favourable to sustainable growth and the competitive positioning of SMEs and regions

Expected results:

• Assisted enterprises are using their strategic capabilities.
• Products and services derived from R&D are being commercialized.
• New enterprises and strategic capital investments are consolidating the economic base of the regions.
• Competitiveness poles are being developed and consolidated.
• Clusters or networks of enterprises in the same sector or region are better structured.
• The innovation commercialization process is generating medium- and long-range social and economic spinoffs.
• Competitive regions are attracting direct foreign investment and international organizations.

(in thousands of dollars)	Forecast spending 2008-2009	Planned spending 2009-2010	Planned spending 2010-2011	Planned spending 2011-2012
Program activity: Competitiveness of enterprises
Grants	100	100	100	100
Contributions	62,360	63,708	69,232	69,232
Activity total	62,460	63,808	69,332	69,332
Program activity: Competitive positioning of sectors and regions
Grants	100	100	100	100
Contributions	37,341	19,240	8,654	8,654
Activity total	37,441	19,340	8,754	8,754
Total transfer payments	99,901	83,148	78,086	78,086

Planned evaluations: An evaluation of program implementation is to be completed in 2009, and an impact assessment of the program is to be completed in 2012.

Community Futures Program (CFP) (voted item)
Start date: May 18, 1995	End date: October 2, 2010

Description: This Canada-wide program provides support for communities in all parts of the country to help them take charge of their own local economic development. In Quebec, the CFP financially supports 57 Community Futures Development Corporations, as well as 14 Community Economic Development Corporations and 10 Business Development Centres.

Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base

Expected results:

• Communities are pursuing a development vision and implementing resulting initiatives.
• Enterprises are contributing to community economic growth and maintenance.

(in thousands of dollars)	Forecast spending 2008-2009	Planned spending 2009-2010	Planned spending 2010-2011	Planned spending 2011-2012
Program activity: Development of communities
Contributions	32,000	32,000	29,181	29,181
Total transfer payments	32,000	32,000	29,181	29,181

Planned evaluation: A summative evaluation of the program is to be completed in 2009.

Infrastructure Canada Program (voted item)
Start date: August 22, 2000	End date: March 31, 2011

Description: Within the framework of the pan-Canadian Infrastructure Program under Treasury Board Secretariat responsibility, a Canada-Quebec Agreement was signed in October 2000. The objective of this agreement was to upgrade urban and rural municipal infrastructure in the province and improve Quebecers’ quality of life. The Agency acts on behalf of the Government of Canada as the federal department responsible for implementation in Quebec. This agreement was amended in July 2005 to postpone to March 31, 2009 the deadline for disbursements under the ICP. Since December 2005, under the terms of the agreement, no more new projects may be approved under the program.

Strategic outcome: Dynamic and revitalized communities that have a better socio-economic outlook and are developing their economic activity base

Expected result:

• Rural and urban communities have quality public infrastructure.

(in thousands of dollars)	Forecast spending 2008-2009	Planned spending 2009-2010	Planned spending 2010-2011	Planned spending 2011-2012
Program activity: Infrastructure
Contributions	24,448	44,072	—	—
Total transfer payments	24,448	44,072	—	—

Planned evaluation: A summative evaluation of the program is to be completed in 2009.

Green Procurement

How is your department planning to meet the objectives of the Policy on Green Procurement?

The Agency has introduced a Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) which sets clear objectives in that area and establishes, among other things, goals with respect to green procurement. A training session on green procurement was given by PWGSC to the materiel manager and employees responsible for purchasing. An outreach session was also provided for all administrative assistants who handle procurement for their branches.

Has your department established green procurement targets?

Describe the green procurement targets that have been set by your department and indicate the associated benefits anticipated.

• Vehicles in the departmental fleet must be replaced by low-consumption vehicles. This practice enables the Agency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in business travel.
• The Agency uses 100% recycled paper at its Head Office. It will be broadening this application to all its business offices. This practice encourages recycling.
• When replacing electrical equipment, the Agency purchases Energy Star qualified equipment. This practice will help reduce energy consumption.
• The Agency will continue to raise employees’ awareness with regard to green procurement. This undertaking should help raise individuals’ awareness of “buying green.”

Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS)

Agency’s governance goal: Reinforce governance and decision-making to support sustainable development.
Federal sustainable development goal, including greening government operations (GGO) objectives	Performance measurement from current SDS	Agency’s expected results for 2009-2010
Governance for sustainable development	Review of departmental commitments contained in plans Annual plan for monitoring the commitments in the fourth SDS approved by senior management as well as progress of results.	SDS commitments are integrated in decision-making processes as early as the planning stage. Clear, effective governance mechanisms integrate sustainable development in the decision-making process.

Agency’s empowerment goal: Continue empowering personnel with respect to sustainable development.
Federal sustainable development goal, including GGO objectives	Performance measurement from current SDS	Agency’s expected results for 2009-2010
	Implementation of a diagnostic tool in business offices Staff participation in training sessions Survey on satisfaction concerning timeliness of training Compilation of information on sustainable development	A sustainable development diagnostic tool will be set up in business offices by 2010. Agency managers and personnel have a common understanding of the concept of sustainable development, they are sensitized to the commitments made in the Agency’s fourth SDS, and they are aware of memorandums of understanding with partners. Information on sustainable development is accessible within the Agency.

Agency’s Vitality of Communities goal: Support communities so they contribute to a prosperous, sustainable economy.
Federal sustainable development goal, including GGO objectives	Performance measurement from current SDS	Agency’s expected results for 2009-2010
Clean air Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Sustainable development and use of natural resources Sustainable communities	Number of communities sensitized and number of plans taking sustainable development into account Number of sustainable development initiatives and projects carried out in communities Case study conducted to identify more accurately the impact of initiatives or projects on communities’ development Number of projects and activities supporting green entrepreneurship Number of tourism projects that take sustainable development into account.	Communities are sensitized and mobilized, and they have set out a vision and drawn up development and diversification plans which take sustainable development principles into account. Sustainable development initiatives and projects are carried out in communities. Green entrepreneurship is supported. Communities benefit from tourism projects that take sustainable development into account.

Agency’s Competitiveness of SMEs and regions goal: Contribute to enhancing the performance of Quebec SMEs and regions with respect to sustainable development.
Federal sustainable development goal, including GGO objectives	Performance measurement from current SDS	Agency’s expected results for 2009-2010
Clean air Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Sustainable development and use of natural resources.	Number of products, services and environmental technologies commercialized.	Enterprises have better strategic capability for grasping green business opportunities and enjoy enhanced environmental performance. Enterprises are engaged in a process of enhancement of strategic capabilities in line with the principles of sustainable development and energy efficiency. Eco-friendly products and services and environmental technologies stemming from R&D are commercialized.

Internal audits

Upcoming internal audits (next three fiscal years)

Name of internal audit	Internal audit type	Status	Expected completion date
Audit of the integrity of program-related systems information	Audit of controls	In progress	Spring 2009
Audit of the Community Futures Program	Audit of controls	In progress	Spring 2009
Internal audit of the Infrastructure Canada Program, April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008	Audit of controls	In progress	Spring 2009
Internal audit of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008	Audit of controls	In progress	Spring 2009
Audit of higher-risk contribution agreements	Audit of controls	Planned	Summer 2009
Internal audit of the Infrastructure Canada Program, April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2009
Internal audit of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2009
Audit of the classification process for certain classes of employment	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2009
Audit of the Chantier de l’économie sociale Fund	Audit of controls	Planned	Winter 2010
Audit of results-based management monitoring practices	Audit of controls	Planned	Summer 2010
Audit of application eligibility analysis	Audit of controls	Planned	Summer 2010
Audit of coordination of direct and indirect financial assistance	Audit of controls	Planned	Summer 2010
Audit of management of information available to the public	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2010
Audit of the Financial Management Control Framework	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2010
Audit of contribution agreement monitoring activities	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2010
Audit of collection and recovery mechanisms	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2010
Audit of the Integrated Risk Management Framework	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2010
Internal audit of the Building Canada Fund, September 3, 2008 to March 31, 2010	Audit of controls	Planned	Summer 2011
Audit of integration of risk management concepts	Audit of controls	Planned	Summer 2011
Audit of the Management Control Framework for cybersecurity and information	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2011
Audit of delivery of non-financial activities (consulting)	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2011
Audit of liaison and representation activities	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2011
Audit of program design	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2011
Audit of partnerships with the economic milieu	Transfer payment	Planned	Fall 2011
Audit of communications management	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2011
Audit of records management and access to information	Audit of controls	Planned	Winter 2012
Internal audit of the Infrastructure Canada Program, April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011	Audit of controls	Planned	Winter 2012
Internal audit of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011	Audit of controls	Planned	Winter 2012
Internal audit of the Building Canada Fund, April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011	Audit of controls	Planned	Winter 2012
Audit of human resources planning and analysis	Audit of controls	Planned	Spring 2012
Audit of human resources management	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2012
Audit of information technology management	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2012
Audit of compliance with established service standards	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2012
Audit of wording of agreements on the basis of the Transfer Payment Policy	Audit of controls	Planned	Fall 2012
Collaboration with the Office of the Comptroller General of Canada, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada and other central agencies which perform audit mandates at the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec	Collaboration	Planned	Ongoing
Monitoring of implementation of audit recommendations	Monitoring	Planned	Ongoing

Evaluations

Upcoming evaluations (next three fiscal years)

Name of evaluation	Program type	Status	Expected completion date
InnoCentre evaluation – Evaluation of technology incubation organizations	Transfer payment	Completed	July 18, 2008
Implementation evaluation of the Business and Regional Growth program	Transfer payment	In progress	Spring 2009
Implementation evaluation of the Community Diversification program	Transfer payment	In progress	Spring 2009
Summative evaluation of the Funding Component of the Social Economy Support Initiative	Transfer payment	In progress	Spring 2009
Québec Port Authority to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Québec in 2008	Transfer payment	In progress	Spring 2009
Summative evaluation of the Community Futures Program (CFP)	Transfer payment	In progress	Spring 2009
Summative evaluation of the Infrastructure Canada Program – Canada-Quebec Agreement 2000	Transfer payment	In progress	Spring 2009
Implementation evaluation of the Canadian Apparel and Textile Industries Program (CATIP) – Textile Production Efficiency Component (TPEC) – under the responsibility of Industry Canada	Horizontal initiative	Planned	Spring 2010
Evaluation of the 4th Sustainable Development Strategy (SDD)	Transfer payment	Planned	Fall 2011 (to be confirmed)
Implementation evaluation of the Support Initiative for International Cruise Development along the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers	Transfer payment	Planned	Spring 2011
Impact assessment of the Community Diversification program (some PAA sub-sub-activities covered in 2010-2011, with an overall report in 2012)	Transfer payment	Planned	Spring 2010 Spring 2011 Spring 2012
Impact assessment of the Business and Regional Growth program (some PAA sub-sub-activities covered in 2010-2011, with an overall report in 2012)	Transfer payment	Planned	Spring 2010 Spring 2011 Spring 2012
Evaluation of some components of PAA internal services (some components examined in 2010, others in 2012)	Other	Planned	Spring 2010 Spring 2012
Impact assessment of the Economic Development Initiative – OLA (Agency’s portion in 2011 and overall report on initiatives of all Regional Development Agencies in 2012)	Transfer payment	Planned	Spring 2011
Internal Economics Development Program	Internal services	Planned	Spring 2012
Implementation evaluation of the Regional Development Research program	Transfer payment	Planned	To be determined on the basis of the program’s level of implementation
Impact assessment of the Regional Development Research program	Transfer payment	Planned	To be determined on the basis of the program’s level of implementation

Sources of Non-respendable Revenue

Non-respendable revenue (in thousands of dollars)¹

Program activity	Forecast revenue 2008-2009	Planned revenue 2009-2010	Planned revenue 2010-2011	Planned revenue 2011-2012
Development of communities	4,000	4,000	6,000	8,000
Infrastructure	—	—	—	—
Competitiveness of enterprises	32,000	32,000	32,000	33,000
Competitive positioning of sector and regions	3,500	3,500	3,000	2,500
Policies, programs and initiatives	—	—	—	—
Total non-respendable revenue	39,500	39,500	41,000	43,500

Note :
1 This refers to reimbursements of repayable contributions to be billed in future years.