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2006-2007
Departmental Performance Report



Fisheries and Oceans Canada






The Honourable Loyola Hearn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans




Table of Contents

Overview

Analysis by Strategic Outcome

Supplementary Information

Other Items of Interest

Annex 1 — Financial Statements

Annex 2 — List of Acronyms

Annex 3 — Footnotes

List of Tables



Overview

In this section:

A Message from Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

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As Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, I am pleased to present our Departmental Performance Report for 2006-2007.

Our job at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is to deliver the programs and services that support three strategic outcomes for Canadians:

  • safe and accessible waterways;
  • sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; and
  • healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems.

I am very proud of our record this year. The talented and dedicated staff of DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard has delivered excellence in fisheries management, science, conservation, ocean and habitat protection and marine safety. Of special note, the Canadian Coast Guard's Leslie Palmer received the Cross of Valour, Canada's highest civilian honour for bravery, for his role in saving two lives on the shores of Greenville Channel, near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. He is the first member of the Coast Guard to receive this distinction and only the twentieth Canadian.

On the international front, the past year was successful. We helped improve international fisheries and oceans governance by leading efforts to reform the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). This led to monitoring, control and surveillance measures, which NAFO adopted last December. Canada also played an important role in helping the international community agree on a new standard to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from the impacts of fishing.

DFO and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade worked closely with the newly appointed Canadian Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation, Mr. Loyola Sullivan. Ambassador Sullivan has moved quickly to demonstrate that Canada is committed to responsible management of high seas fisheries and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. The international agenda in areas such as these is moving fast, and we will ensure that Canada continues to show leadership on the world stage.

Sound scientific data is key to better management decisions. This year's federal budget included $39 million over two years to strengthen and renew DFO's science program. Science renewal is a priority for DFO and we reached many milestones this year towards that goal. We successfully integrated a newly established science management board into our annual departmental planning cycle and we consulted with more than 140 representatives of other federal departments and academia to further our science renewal agenda. We also strategically realigned our science budget and functions to make sure our resources are best placed to address national and departmental priorities.

This year, we invested approximately $100 million to help maintain Canada's network of small craft harbours so that fish harvesters can earn their living as safely and efficiently as possible. The rejuvenation of the Canadian Coast Guard continued in 2006-2007, buoyed by funding for eight new mid-shore patrol ships and preliminary approval of two new off-shore fishery science vessels. The 2007 federal budget also identified $324 million for the procurement, operation and maintenance of six other new vessels for the Coast Guard fleet, including an additional off-shore fishery science vessel and an off-shore oceanographic science ship.

The Coast Guard continued to maintain one of the best records in the world for search and rescue, notwithstanding the size of our country and one of the harshest climates in the world. Key maritime programs such as icebreaking, aids to navigation, waterways management, and vessel traffic control facilitate the maritime traffic and commerce that is so critical to our economy.

There was significant progress on behalf of our oceans this year. We designated the Musquash Estuary in New Brunswick as Canada's sixth Marine Protected Area (MPA) and, in cooperation with the Haida Nation on the west coast, we are well on the way to designating the Bowie Seamount. In fact, through the 2007 federal budget, our government announced plans to designate nine new MPAs in the coming years. The $19 million included in the budget for a health-of-the-oceans initiative will also support improved monitoring and prevention of marine pollution. We also completed scientific assessments in priority areas of each of our three oceans to better protect the environment and enhance the quality of life of Canadians who depend on these waters.

As part of DFO's Environmental Process Modernization Plan, we made many improvements to how we protect fish habitat in Canada. A new risk-management framework was implemented to better predict the effect of specific development activities on aquatic habitat and we worked with the provinces and territories to streamline assessment of low-risk development projects to better focus on those of higher risk to habitat. DFO also signed an agreement with nine major non-governmental conservation organizations to partner on public-education, monitoring and watershed planning initiatives.

Aquaculture holds enormous untapped potential for our coastal communities. This year, we worked with other federal departments, the provinces and territories, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to enhance this industry's current regulatory regime. We continued to promote increased public confidence in aquaculture, including the launch of a new aquaculture website.

We worked to renew key policies that enhance the value and competitiveness of Canada's fishing industry and improve internal processes that will help us better serve Canadians. For example, we tabled a modernized Fisheries Act in Parliament that would improve the way we manage Canada's fisheries through greater transparency, accountability and collaboration with resource users. The new Act would put into law principles of conservation to better protect marine ecosystems and ensure more sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries.

We adopted an "oceans-to-plate" management approach that put into place a number of initiatives to renew the viability and sustainability of key fisheries in Canada — and this work continues right across the country. We took steps to better preserve the independence of the in-shore fleet in Atlantic Canada, created new classes of vessels and adjusted vessel-replacement requirements, among other measures. These renewal measures have provided greater flexibility and choice to Canada's fishers in running their operations successfully.

Internally, DFO continued to improve its operations this year in several areas, including: management accountability; integrated planning, reporting and risk management; and modernizing our human resources functions. We made solid progress on our Information Technology (IT) Sustainability Project, which will improve how we manage our IT assets and serve Canadians, while saving $10-$12 million a year by 2009-2010.

Our achievements demonstrate our strong commitment to managing Canada's fisheries and oceans well so that Canadians can derive the maximum sustainable value from these public resources. I look forward to continuing our work with industry, government partners, environmental organizations, volunteer groups and stakeholders across Canada to build better fishery and a brighter future for our waters and marine ecosystems.

 

_______________________________

The Honourable Loyola Hearn, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

 

Management Representation Statement

I submit, for tabling in Parliament, the 2006-2007 Departmental Performance Report for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2006-2007 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports:

  • It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the TBS guidance;
  • It is based on the department's approved Program Activity Architecture structure as reflected in the Management, Resources and Results Structure;
  • It presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced and reliable information;
  • It provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities entrusted to it; and
  • It reports finances based on approved numbers from the Estimates and the Public Accounts of Canada.

 

__________________________

Michelle d'Auray

Deputy Minister

 

DFO at a Glance

Mandate

On behalf of the Government of Canada, DFO is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada's scientific, ecological, social and economic interests in oceans and fresh waters. As a department committed to sustainable development, DFO works to protect and conserve Canada's aquatic resources, while supporting the development and use of these resources.

The Department's guiding legislation includes the Oceans Act and the Fisheries Act. The Department is also one of the three departments responsible for the Species at Risk Act.


Vision
Excellence in service to Canadians to ensure the sustainable development and safe use of Canadian waters.

In pursuit of the above mandate, DFO is committed to three strategic outcomes that provide enduring benefits that Canadians derive from the Department's vision and efforts. The following table describes these three strategic outcomes.


Strategic Outcome Description
Safe and Accessible Waterways Providing access to Canadian waterways, and ensuring the overall safety and integrity of Canada's marine infrastructure for the benefit of all Canadians.
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Delivering an integrated fisheries and aquaculture program that is credible, science based, affordable and effective, and contributes to sustainable wealth for Canadians.
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems Ensuring the sustainable development and integrated management of resources in or around Canada's aquatic environment through oceans and fish habitat management. It also involves carrying out the critical science and fisheries management activities that support these two programs.

Operating Environment and Context

The Department's operational environment is multifaceted, complex and challenging. On behalf of the Government of Canada, DFO is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada's scientific, ecological, social and economic interests in oceans and fresh waters.

DFO faces a number of challenges in meeting its mandate. Canada's fisheries and oceans have seen considerable change over the past decade — the collapse of historically key fish stocks, international tensions, an increasing need to strengthen relationships between federal, provincial and territorial governments and Aboriginal groups, the need to address issues in Canada's Arctic region and an unprecedented expansion of the user base of the oceans. At the same time, there has been growing recognition of environmental challenges such as pollution, species at risk and climate change, along with the continued aging of the workforce and emigration from Atlantic Canada.

To begin addressing these challenges, DFO received a permanent increase of $99 million in its annual budget. This new funding is focused on delivering the core programs and services of the Department. While challenges still remain, this increased budget allocation helps build an effective, financially stable organization whose work contributes to government priorities and better meets important needs of Canadians.

The federal budget for 2006 focused on the Government's five priorities — accountability, tax relief, families and communities, security, and federal-provincial fiscal balance. The budget announced two major income tax measures specifically for fishers, a one-time $500,000 capital gains exemption and a tax deferral for "intergenerational rollover" of fishing property. Budget elements that were of indirect interest to DFO include tax cuts that could benefit aquaculture farms, fish harvesting corporations and fish processing corporations; increased RCMP funding that could also support joint CCG and RCMP activities; the Security and Prosperity Partnership initiatives; and increased funding for Defence and protection of Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security.

Sustainable development is central to DFO's vision and priorities and the Sustainable Development Strategy constitutes a core element in departmental planning. DFO published a new three-year Sustainable Development Strategy in 2007, which confirms DFO's continuing commitment to provide Canadians with sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems.

Key Changes within the Department

The Department's work towards the modernization of the 138-year-old Fisheries Act will result in revitalizing the way DFO manages Canada's fisheries resources. A new Act would modernize the way fisheries are managed, and enshrine conservation measures to protect the aquatic ecosystems to ensure long-term sustainable fisheries for Canadian commercial, Aboriginal and recreational fishers. Bill C-45, tabled in December 2006, was developed from extensive cross-country consultations and discussions and included expanded roles for fishery participants in decision-making; the adoption of clear principles dedicated to sustainable development; and a new sanctions system aimed at promoting more responsible fishing behaviour.

From an organization and governance perspective, the transformation of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) into a Special Operating Agency (SOA) has been a major institutional change within DFO. The transition has improved CCG's ability to respond to its enhanced role under Canada's national security agenda, while improving traditional services through continuous renewal. Under its new SOA status, the CCG has improved its operational and management flexibility to realize benefits for its clients and stakeholders. Formal authorities that came into effect in 2005-2006 have continued to give the CCG more flexibility in how it manages its resources and responds to issues related to emergencies, capital expenditures and clean-up costs recovered from polluters.

In addition to implementing the CCG Special Operating Agency, DFO undertook a review of how the rest of the Department has worked together. The Management Model Review looked at the relationship between managers in headquarters and the regions to ensure that their roles and responsibilities were clearly understood and implemented. Overall, the review concluded that the existing matrix model continues to be the most effective for the Department. DFO adopted an integrated management approach to daily operations to bring together regions, DFO sectors and communities to plan and manage human activities affecting portions of the freshwater and marine environments.

The management model review also studied the internal governance structure of the Department and made some changes to the committee and decision-making structure of DFO, such as the addition of the Policy Integration Committee and the new Human Resources and Finance sub-committees.

DFO's Program Activity Architecture

DFO's basis for reporting to Parliament is its Program Activity Architecture (PAA). The PAA is an inventory of DFO's programs and activities and explains how the Department's program activities contribute to the three strategic outcomes described in DFO at a Glance . Each program activity has one or more program sub-activities that contribute to the program activity. Additional information on the strategic outcomes, program activities, and sub-activities can be found in the section Analysis by Strategic Outcome.

The PAA also includes the corporate functions that support the delivery of DFO's programs to Canadians. These functions are called Program Enablers. Additional information about the Program Enablers can be found in Section 4.

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Financial and Human Resources for 2006-2007


Total Financial Resources for the Department, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
1,675.8 1,737.2 1,648.9x

xExplanation of variances can be found in the section, Supplementary Information, Table 1.

 

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Total Human Resources for the Department, 2006-2007 (number of full-time equivalents)
Planned Actual Difference
10,444 10,382 -62

Summary of Performance by Departmental Priority

In its 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities, DFO identified seven program priorities and five management priorities. Program priorities are priority areas that are critical to DFO's ability to deliver its programs and services and to position it to move forward with new responsibilities. Management priorities are focused on improving the management of the Department and on providing tools to managers to help them deliver their programs.

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The table below presents the planned and actual spending for each priority. DFO's progress in delivering the program priorities is discussed in more detail in Section 2, under the appropriate Program Activity. The results of the management priorities have been consolidated into the Management Accountability Framework and are discussed in Section 4.


Planned and Actual Spending by Departmental Priority, 2005-2006 (millions of dollars)
Departmental Priority Supported by Program Activity Type1 Performance Status2 Planned Spending Actual Spending
Safe and Accessible Waterways
Canadian Coast Guard Rejuvenation Canadian Coast Guard Ongoing Partially met 23.0 5.33
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
International Governance Fisheries Management Previous Exceeded 23.4 20.3
Fisheries Renewal Fisheries Management Previous Met * *
Aquaculture Governance Aquaculture Previous Met 3.9 *
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems
Oceans Action Plan Oceans Management Previous Met 7.5 4.54
Environmental Process Modernization Habitat Management Previous Met * *
Contributing to all Strategic Outcomes
Science Renewal Science Previous Met * *
Management Priorities
Management Accountability Framework
  • Human Resources Modernization
Department Ongoing Met 0.6 0.6
  • Management Accountability Framework
Department Ongoing Met 0.1 0.1
  • Integrated Planning and Reporting
Department Ongoing Partially met 0.2 0.2
  • Integrated Risk Management
Department Ongoing Met 3.65 0.7
  • Departmental Renewal
Department Previous Partially met 11.6 6.96

*This priority is managed within ongoing management responsibilities and commitments. Resources directed specifically to this priority cannot be identified.

1Type of priority is new, ongoing or previous. New means the priority was introduced during this performance period. Ongoing means the priority has no end date. Previous means the priority was reported in a prior Report on Plans and Priorities or Departmental Performance Report.

2Performance status:


All commitments were met Met
Only some commitments were met Partially met
Commitments achieved were above expectations Exceeded
The priority has been cancelled Cancelled
The priority has been completed Completed
The priority has been changed and new commitments were set Modified
Commitments were not met Not met

3 The large variance between planned and actual spending was caused by delays in the Coast Guards' Major Capital Plan for the acquisition of Coast Guard Fleet midshore and offshore vessels. This major capital was reprofiled to future fiscal years.

4 $3.98 million was carried forward to 2007-2008.

5 This amount represents the entire Audit and Evaluation Directorate annual budget. Of that amount, Integrated Risk Management's Planned Spending was $0.37 million.

6 IT Sustainability Funding. The difference between planned and actual spending is due to the late receipt of funds from TBS. $4.7M is carried forward to 2007-2008.

Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes

Canada's Performance, the annual report to Parliament on the federal government's contribution to Canada's performance as a nation, is structured around three policy areas:

  • Economic Affairs, which demonstrates the increased importance given to the links between the Canadian economy and the natural environment;
  • Social Affairs, which promotes core values, linguistic duality, ethnic diversity, art, culture, and active citizenship, while enhancing the health, safety, and standard of living of citizens;
  • International Affairs, which demonstrates Canada's international leadership on global issues while promoting its culture and heritage abroad.

Each of these policy areas is associated with outcomes areas that the federal government is working to achieve. DFO contributes to four outcomes in two of the policy areas. The following table shows the relationship between these Government of Canada outcomes and DFO's outcomes.


Government of Canada Outcome Safe and Accessible Waterways Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems
Economic Affairs
Strong economic growth Small Craft Harbours Fisheries Management

Aquaculture

 
An innovative and knowledge-based economy Science Science Science
A clean and healthy environment     Oceans Management

Habitat Management

Social Affairs
Safe and secure communities Canadian Coast Guard    



Analysis by Strategic Outcome

In this section:


How to Read this Section
  • Results Chain: Results chains are read starting from the bottom of the diagram. They start with the resources (dollars and people) used by each Program Activity to deliver the priorities and sub-activities shown in the box above. These priorities and sub-activities contribute to the expected results in the box above. The expected results come together to deliver the strategic outcome.
  • Web Links: Links to additional information (background, context, documents) are identified throughout this section by the following symbol:Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-8.png
  • Data Sources: Where available, data sources and reliability information are provided in footnotes.
  • Results Tables: This section includes three levels of results tables. Program Activity and Sub-Activity tables demonstrate results achieved against the expected results presented in the 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities. Where available, performance indicators are included. Work is ongoing on improving the expected results and performance indicators for future Departmental Performance Reports. The Program Priority results tables demonstrate the progress towards achieving the commitments made in Section 1 of the 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities.
  • Note: For the most part, explanations of financial variances can be found in the section, Supplementary Information, Tables 1 and 2.

Safe and Accessible Waterways

The strategic outcome Safe and Accessible Waterways is about providing access to Canadian waterways and ensuring the overall safety and integrity of Canada's marine infrastructure for the benefit of all Canadians.

This strategic outcome is delivered through three program activities:

  • Canadian Coast Guard;
  • Small Craft Harbours; and
  • Science.

Departmental activities and presence on Canadian waters help to ensure the safe movement of people and goods. As a sustainable development department, DFO integrates environmental, economic and social perspectives to ensure Canada's oceans and freshwater resources benefit this generation and those to come.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) provides many maritime services that contribute to the strategic outcome Safe and Accessible Waterways. In doing so, CCG has a number of arrangements with other government departments, as well as other countries in contiguous waters, that help ensure that Canadian waterways are safe, secure and open to commercial and recreational use.

Working closely with CCG, the Department's Small Craft Harbours (SCH) Program and Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) also make a significant contribution to ensuring safe and accessible waterways.

Small Craft Harbours contributes to the Safe and Accessible Waterways strategic outcome by operating and maintaining a national system of harbours to provide commercial fishers and recreational boaters with safe and accessible facilities. SCH is mandated to keep harbours critical to the fishing industry open and in good repair. The three main strategies used to achieve this mandate are to maintain a network of core harbours; to promote the formation of volunteer Harbour Authorities to ensure local control over management of commercial fishing harbours; and to dispose of non-essential harbours by transferring all recreational harbours to local communities and reducing the number of derelict and low-activity fishing harbours.

The Canadian Hydrographic Service is responsible for charting Canada's 243,792 kilometres of coastline, 6.55 million square kilometres of continental shelf and territorial waters and an extensive system of inland waterways. To ensure safe and efficient navigation in Canadian waters, CHS maintains an extensive portfolio of navigational products and services, including charts, sailing directions, tide tables and current atlases.

Results Chain

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What Did DFO Spend?

Approximately 51% of the Department's total expenditures for 2006-2007 — or $835 million — was used to ensure safe and accessible waterways.


Financial and Human Resources, Safe and Accessible Waterways, 2006-2007
Financial Resources
(millions of dollars)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Canadian Coast Guard 565.5 565.2 547.5
Small Craft Harbours 95.6 99.0 101.2
Science in support of Safe and Accessible Waterways 35.5 38.9 55.2
Program Enablers1 141.1 142.8 131.1
Total 837.7 845.9 835.0
Human Resources
(number of full-time equivalents (FTEs)
Planned Actual Difference
Canadian Coast Guard 4,604 4,752 1482
Small Craft Harbours 125 124 -1
Science in support of Safe and Accessible Waterways 298 273 -25
Program Enablers1 869 839 -30
Total 5,896 5,988 92

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1Financial and human resources for Program Enablers have been prorated across program activities. The section, Other Items of Interest, provides further information on Program Enablers.

2 FTE overutilization under the Canadian Coast Guard program activity can be explained as follows:

  • Major Crown projects for which no FTEs were included in the planned figure were started.
  • FTEs for dredging were not included in the planned figure, as the program is fully cost recovered.
  • Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) FTEs were not included in the planned figure.
  • New Search and Rescue (SAR) stations for which no FTEs were included in the planned figure came on-line.

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Program Activity: Canadian Coast Guard

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) delivers civilian marine services (vessels, aircraft, expertise, personnel and infrastructure) on behalf of other federal government departments or in support of federal agencies and organizations in the achievement of their own specific Government of Canada maritime priorities. CCG provides support to other parts of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Science and Conservation and Protection), the Department of National Defence (DND), Environment Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Transport Canada, among others.

The Canadian Coast Guard program activity has one of the departmental program priorities — Coast Guard Rejuvenation — and is delivered via nine program sub-activities: Aids and Waterways Services; Marine Communications and Traffic Services; Icebreaking Services; Search and Rescue Services; Environmental Response Services; Coast Guard College; Maritime Security; Contributing to Other Government Objectives; and Coast Guard Fleet Services.


Financial and Human Resources, Canadian Coast Guard, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Aids and Waterways Services 117.9 121.8 86.5
Marine Communications and Traffic Services 90.9 94.1 99.4
Icebreaking Services 45.0 47.0 43.8
Search and Rescue Services 100.9 104.5 106.1
Environmental Response Services 10.4 10.8 14.6
Coast Guard College 7.5 7.8 13.3
Maritime Security 0.0 0.0 14.5
Contribution to Other Government Objectives 0.0 0.0 17.5
Coast Guard Fleet 192.8 179.1 151.6
Sub-total 565.5 565.2 547.5
Program Enablers 112.2 113.2 104.5
Total 677.7 678.4 652.0
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Aids and Waterways Services   937  
Marine Communications and Traffic Services   696  
Icebreaking Services   380  
Search and Rescue Services   1151  
Environmental Response Services   101  
Coast Guard College   101  
Maritime Security   10  
Contribution to Other Government Objectives   7721  
Coast Guard Fleet   606  
Sub-total 4,604 4,752 1482
Program Enablers 699 675 -24
Total 5,303 5,427 124

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 The cost of operating the Coast Guard Fleet (including FTEs) has been allocated to the various CCG activities that the Fleet supports. The costs of supporting the Department's enforcement and science activities are captured under Contributing to Other Government Objectives.

2 The planned FTE total is understated because of several increases that were omitted or unknown at the time the plan was developed. These items include ships' officers and ships' crews related to the work for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Patrol and the FTE related to new funding received after the planned number was developed for the Great Lakes Marine Security Operations.

Notes on Variances:

  • Excluding Program Enablers (whose costs are attributed to the CCG program based on the CCG as a % of the total DFO authorities and spending), CCG expended 97% of its total authorities in 2006-2007. Of the 3% not expended, over half is related to the planned carry-forward of funds from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 to complete a variety of activities and projects.
  • Within the CCG program activities, the large positive variance for Aids and Waterways Services is offset in large part by expenditures beyond total authorities in Marine Communication and Traffic Services, Search and Rescue Services, Environmental Response Services, and Icebreaking Services reflecting both the initial allocation of contract settlement funding to Aids and Waterways that was subsequently allocated and spent in other CCG program activities, as well as the shift of major capital between program activities as a result of adjustments to and approvals for planned major capital projects. In addition, for Icebreaking Services, spending was lower than total authorities, reflecting an unusually light ice year, which resulted in lower fuel and other operating expenditures.
  • The reported spending in Maritime Security and Contribution to Other Government Objectives without reported total authorities reflects, in large part, activities undertaken by the Coast Guard Fleet and Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) in these sub-activities that are not predetermined before the commencement of the fiscal year and for which financial authorities are incorporated in either CCG fleet or MCTS.
  • Spending in the Coast Guard College sub-activity was higher than the authority, largely reflecting a large increase in the intake of cadets as part of the Coast Guard's succession planning.

Expected Results — Canadian Coast Guard Results Achieved
Minimal loss of life, injuries and property damage resulting from marine incidents
  • Saved 96.7% of lives at risk
  • There were 190 vessel collisions, strikings and groundings in 2006-2007, representing a 9.5% decrease in the average number (208) during the period 2001-2005
Effective and efficient management of waterways that support marine commerce
  • Monitored and maintained waterways, provided information on navigation conditions, and regulated vessel traffic
Sustainability of the marine and freshwater environment through timely and effective response to marine pollution incidents
  • Responded to 1,295 marine pollution incidents, which is close to the average number of incidents for the past three to four years
A marine infrastructure that provides efficient services to all clients
  • Maintained, and where possible improved, ship- and shore-based infrastructure within existing resources to provide marine programs to Canadians

In 2006-2007, the Coast Guard received $39 million in additional funding, $12 million of which was for capital expenditures. The balance of the resources was to offset cost increases related to vessel fuel and shortfalls in Marine Communications and Traffic Services. The Coast Guard's capacity to deliver was further advanced through an additional $6 million for vessel support for DFO's Science and Conservation and Protection programs. Overall, a total of $45 million in additional funding kept the Coast Guard operational and ready to serve. Furthermore, the March 2007 budget provided $324 million for procurement, operation and maintenance of four new mid-shore patrol vessels, one additional off-shore fishery science vessel and one off-shore oceanographic science vessel.

The Coast Guard completed an internal A-Base Review of all of its programs and activities. The review mirrored many of the findings of the Auditor General in a report issued in early 2007, which indicated that the Coast Guard was still not functioning effectively as a single national Agency. It also indicated that the Coast Guard had not yet found the right balance between national consistency for planning, administration and reporting and regional flexibility for operations. In many areas the policies, frameworks and systems necessary to transform the Coast Guard into a true national institution had not been fully developed. The report further noted a number of weaknesses in maintenance and asset management, implementation of new technologies and management of its human resources. In addition, Coast Guard employees identified several areas for improvement through the Public Service Employee Survey.

The Coast Guard's 2007-2010 Business Plan outlines the Agency's measured and incremental approach to responding to the challenges identified by the A-Base Review, the Auditor General, and the Public Service Employee Survey.

The Coast Guard met expectations on performance against its varied international commitments. Coast Guard has a comprehensive and productive working partnership with the United States Coast Guard through joint exercises, planning, operations and service delivery to mutual clients. In 2006, Coast Guard hosted the annual Canada-United Stated Coast Guard Summit in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Agency fully participated in annual Canada-U.S. Contingency Plan, Search and Rescue (SAR) joint exercises and international SAR skills competitions. Coast Guard successfully led, on behalf of the Government of Canada, multi-departmental teams to the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum March 2006 Experts Meeting and the October 2006 Summit Meeting hosted by China.

Coast Guard also worked with multiple international organizations to pave the way for the global implementation of the Long Range Identification and Tracking of ships. In support of the International Polar Year, CCG received funding to provide Coast Guard Fleet icebreaker support for marine research projects. CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent carried scientists conducting the first field season of the ship-based seismic/bathymetric survey of the Beaufort Sea and southern Arctic Ocean.

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Canadian Coast Guard - http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/main_e.htm

Auditor General Report - http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/domino/reports.nsf/html/20070204ce.html

CCG 2007-2010 Business Plan - http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/busplan-planactivite/main_e.htm

Program Priority: Canadian Coast Guard Rejuvenation

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Partially met

Five priorities guide the continuing evolution of the Coast Guard Agency and support its rejuvenation agenda. These priorities, organized within three themes — Focus on client service, Focus on efficiency and effectiveness, and Focus on people — are:

  • Full implementation of Special Operating Agency status;
  • CCG support for the Government of Canada's Maritime Security Agenda;
  • Fleet renewal;
  • Continued implementation of modernization initiatives; and
  • Effective management of people.

Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
CCG Priority 1 - Full Implementation of Special Operating Agency Status
Establish a new governance structure within the federal government for relations with the various departments and agencies that receive support or services from the Coast Guard
  • Established a new Strategic Advisory Council at the Deputy Minister level with federal government departments that use Coast Guard services
Establish advisory bodies with external clients and stakeholders, such as the commercial shipping industry and ports, recreational boaters and the fishing industry, at both the national and regional levels
  • Established national and regional marine advisory bodies with the commercial shipping industry to provide input on business plans and priorities to the Agency
  • Coast Guard has been considering ways to re-engage the National and Regional Canadian Marine Advisory Councils and Recreational Boating Advisory Councils led by Transport Canada to more fully interact with fishers and recreational boaters
Establish a permanent memorial at the Coast Guard College to honour those who lost their lives carrying out Coast Guard duties
  • Completed the design and planning of a memorial to employees who lost their lives in service to the Coast Guard and Canada; the memorial will be unveiled at the Canadian Coast Guard College in 2007
Review the Coast Guard uniform policy.
  • Established a new CCG Management Board Uniform Sub-Committee to develop guidelines for wearing the CCG uniform
CCG Priority 2 - CCG Support for the Government of Canada's Maritime Security Agenda
Implement the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway system Marine Security Enforcement Team initiative with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • 2006-2007 marked the third year of joint CCG/RCMP delivery of the interim measures portion of the Marine Security Enforcement Teams (MSET) initiative; three dedicated program vessels operate from April to December; the MSET initiative provides the RCMP with a reliable platform from which to conduct on-water enforcement and response activities
  • Delivered training to CCG ships' officers and crews participating in the RCMP and CCG Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway MSET initiative to increase security awareness and response capability
CCG Priority 3 - Fleet Renewal
Proceed with Fleet Renewal to acquire two new off-shore fisheries science vessels and eight new mid-shore patrol vessels
  • Secured approval for the procurement strategy of eight new mid-shore patrol vessels and preliminary project approval for two new off-shore science vessels
Implement the Integrated Technical Services Strategy for more effective life-cycle management of the Fleet
  • Developed the Integrated Technical Services Organizational Vision for an efficient, nationally consistent organizational structure to deliver life-cycle management
  • Finalized regional organizational structures and wrote 20% of the required national model work descriptions
  • Developed, approved and implemented four of five national processes to ensure efficient and consistent delivery of life-cycle management and supporting systems
  • Developed approximately 20% of the guidance manuals, operating procedures and standards that define the application of life-cycle management at the working level; the remaining maintenance documents will be developed over the next four years
CCG Priority 4 - Continued Implementation of Modernization Initiatives
Address levels of service, service standards, costs of services and fees in an open and transparent fashion with all internal and external clients and stakeholders
  • CCG established a dedicated team to lead a comprehensive Levels of Service Review in consultation with clients and stakeholders
  • Established a Marine Services Fees industry/CCG Working Group to develop options for the future of Marine Services Fees to present to the federal government
Seek new authorities to facilitate the multi-year management of capital funds for the Fleet and to better align refits with operational requirements
  • Undertook considerable work on new authorities for the Fleet vessel refit that will be considered in 2007
Implement the Marine Aids Modernization initiative to reduce the cost of providing aids to navigation without reducing the levels of service.

Note: In 2006-2007, Coast Guard replaced the Marine Aids Modernization initiative with Aids to Navigation of the 21st Century (AtoN21), which adds a move towards innovation and new technologies

  • Continued the Marine Aids Modernization initiative. The following results were achieved:
  • Upated 4 of 17 of Aids to Navigation Operational Directives
  • Eliminated 126 large steel buoys (8% reduction)
  • Converted 222 lighted buoys to Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology (81% of buoys have now been converted)
  • Replaced seasonal lighted buoys on the St. Lawrence Seaway with 72 year-round lighted spar buoys
CCG Priority 5 - Effective Management of People
Implement collective staffing by increasing the use of a pre-qualified pool, developing a Ships Crew Recruitment strategy, and working with unions to establish permanent relief pools
  • Established a Workforce Development Unit and an HR Sub-Committee to assess and monitor human resource issues.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-12.png-AtoN21 - http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/atn-aln/aton_21/main_e.htm


Program Sub-activity: Aids and Waterways Services

The Aids to Navigation program involves the provision of short-range marine aids numbering more than 17,000, including visual aids (lighthouses and buoys), sound aids (fog horns), as well as radar aids (reflectors and beacons) and long-range marine aids including electronic aids such as the Differential Global Positioning System. The benefit to mariners is safe, accessible and effective vessel transit in Canadian waters. The Waterways Management program provides waterways management to ensure the accessibility of waterways. Through this program, Canadian Coast Guard manages channel maintenance and dredging of the Great Lakes connecting channels and the St. Lawrence River, monitors channel bathymetry, and controls water level fluctuations in the St. Lawrence River. The program also enables CCG to provide marine safety information to users, including water depth forecasts. Waterways Management sustains navigable channels, reduces marine navigation risks and supports environmental protection. This program is delivered with the support of CCG's operationally capable and ready fleet.


Plans

  • Rejuvenation Agenda — Proceed with the Marine Aids Modernization project to ensure that DFO provides an effective and efficient service responding to users' changing needs
  • Reinvest in strategic assets to address compliance with Canada Shipping Act standards
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Safe and effective vessel transits and movements and access to ports Number of incidents attributed to aids to navigation and waterway conditions
  • There are no statistics available for 2006-2007 since the Transportation Safety Board no longer attributes incidents on Canadian waters to specific causes; no incidents were reported between 1999 and 2003
Public/stakeholder confidence in aids and waterways services Level of public confidence1
  • Public assessment (Navigation Services) — 7.6 out of 10
  • Public assessment (Waterways Development) — 7 out of 10

Program Sub-activity: Marine Communications and Traffic Services

The Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) program provides marine distress and safety communications, conducts vessel screenings, regulates vessel traffic movement and provides information systems and public correspondence on a 24/7 basis. Through the MCTS program, search and rescue responders have increased knowledge of persons or vessels in distress, mariners at risk have greater opportunity to be detected, and the Canadian Coast Guard has enhanced information on vessel transit for maritime security domain awareness. MCTS improves the safety of life at sea, the efficient movement of shipping in waterways, and the provision of essential information to mariners.


Plans
  • Rejuvenation Agenda — Install an Automatic Identification System at 80 remote sites, interfacing the system at MCTS centres and implementing a Long-Range Vessel Identification and Tracking (LRIT) capability; replace the Communication Control System at 22 MCTS centres and provide training at the Coast Guard College; implement the Global Marine Distress and Safety System via Very High Frequency Digital Selective Calling at selected sites, including the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes Basin; continue to migrate to a single national Vessel Traffic Management Information System to link and filter all data to government agencies and the marine industry
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Reduced number and severity of maritime incidents with human, property and environmental consequences Number of incidents2 and shipping accidents — collisions, groundings and strikings
  • Of 1,683 incidents, 190 were shipping accidents; this represents a 9.5% decrease from the 2001-2005 average due, in part, to improved vessel traffic management and advances in navigation technology
Efficient movement of shipping Vessel movement per incident
  • Data not available
Public/stakeholder confidence in marine communications and traffic services Level of public confidence3
  • Public assessment — 7.6 out of 10
Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-13.png- 2001 SAR Report - http://ccg-gcc.ncr.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sar/pubs/annrep/2001_Report/2001_Report(E)(F)/Annual_reports_e.htm

Program Sub-activity: Icebreaking Services

The Icebreaking program of the Canadian Coast Guard provides icebreaking and related services to facilitate the informed, safe and timely movement of maritime traffic through and around ice-covered Canadian waters for the benefit of industry and communities. This program activity includes escorting ships through ice-covered waters, freeing beset vessels in ice, conducting harbour breakouts, providing advice and ice information and reducing the risk of flooding on the St. Lawrence River through monitoring, prevention and breaking up of ice jams. The Icebreaking program contributes to Arctic sovereignty through the re-supply of Northern communities, providing support to other government agencies and organizations in ice-infested waters, and a visible federal government marine presence in the Canadian North. This program is delivered with the support of CCG's operationally capable and ready fleet.


Plans
  • Ongoing operations
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Safe, timely and efficient vessel transits and movements through ice-infested waters Number of vessels damaged by ice
  • 2 vessels damaged by ice, a decrease from 2005-2006
  Number of route assistance and ice information requests
  • Responded to 704 requests for route assistance, an increase from 2005-2006
  • Responded to 109 ice reconnaissance requests, an increase from 2005-2006
  Icebreaker availability
  • Deployed 6 icebreakers from all regions, including Pacific, in the Arctic between June and November 2006
  • Deployed 20 icebreakers across Canada, except for the Pacific Region, in the winter ice season
Reduced flooding caused by ice jams (further resulting in less property damage and shore erosion) Number of flood control taskings
  • 332 flood control taskings, an increase from 254 in 2005-2006
Enhanced Arctic sovereignty Northern re-supply cargo delivered in metric tonnes
  • Carried and delivered 1,489 tonnes of bulk and dry cargo to Eureka and to Kugaaruk, Nunavut; this represents an increase in cargo carried from 2005-2006; conducted the first field season of the ship-based seismic bathymetric survey of the Beaufort Sea and the southern Arctic Ocean onboard CCGS Louis St. Laurent.
Public/stakeholder confidence in icebreaking services Level of public confidence4
  • Public assessment — 7.6 out of 10

Canadian Coast Guard on the Job

Ice Things to Do

As climate change reduces the amount of sea ice in northern waters, it is expected that commercial shipping will increase in the Northwest Passage and the longer ice-free seasons will allow access to undeveloped oil and gas reserves in the High Arctic. However the reduction of seasonal first-year ice, which keeps in place the dangerous multi-year ice, means that this thicker, harder multi-year ice will drift through the Arctic Archipelago, becoming a significant hazard to navigation.

In 2004-2005, the Climate Change Technology and Innovation Initiative funded a study involving commercial and Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker commanding officers to identify key research areas that would improve year-round transportation in the Arctic. They unanimously picked the detection of multi-year ice as an essential research area.

CCGS Henry Larsen off Greenland, Aug 14, 2006CCGS Henry Larsen off Greenland, August 14, 2006

A comprehensive research project was developed by the Canadian Hydraulics Centre (National Research Council), Canadian Ice Service (Environment Canada), Transport Canada, DFO Science and the Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaking Program. For Coast Guard, the objective is to develop an 'ice hazard detection radar' for Arctic navigation. The first phase of the Ice Radar project was trialed on board the icebreaker CCGS Henry Larsen in August 2006 in Nares Strait.

The system converts the radar signal into a high-resolution image similar to a satellite image, which allows the user to identify ice patterns and small icebergs that are nearly impossible to see with conventional radar. In the photos below, the ice radar (left) provides more clarity of ice features, such as the shape of multi-year floes, than the standard radar (right).


Ice radar photo         imageonright-1.png

So what does multi-year ice look like close up? Have a look at the photo below, and you can judge the thickness of the ice by comparing it with the heads of observers peering down over the side of CCGS Henry Larsen. No wonder that particular type of sea ice drifting in the Arctic is a navigation hazard!

The heads of observers on the Henry Larsen can be seen (bottom left) against the impressive backdrop of multi-year ice.

The Coast Guard Icebreaking Program has two other ice projects on the go, in support of improved ice information for ships. CCGS Terry Fox is evaluating the IceNav Virtual Marine Radar System, which incorporates satellite imagery and enhanced shipboard radar images in an electronic navigation system. The third project, ICEggs, was developed by Quebec Region to prepare ice observation charts on a georeferenced laptop computer, producing high-quality, accurate ice charts much quicker that the traditional method. It is now used nationally on CCG icebreakers, helicopters, and ice reconnaissance aircraft and in Ice Operations Centres.

Program Sub-activity: Search and Rescue Services

The federal Search and Rescue (SAR) program, led by the Minister of National Defence, is a co-operative effort by federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The CCG SAR program leads, delivers, and maintains preparedness for the 5.3 million square kilometre maritime component of the federal SAR system, in conjunction with its partner the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. This program is delivered with the support of CCG's operationally capable and ready fleet.

Approximately one-quarter of SAR coverage is provided by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, which consists of about 4,500 volunteer members using 1,300 vessels.


Plans

  • Rejuvenation Agenda — Update the search and rescue program needs analysis to identify demand and determine an equitable approach to deliver search and rescue services across Canada; renew the service delivery partnering arrangements with the CCG Auxiliary
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Minimized loss of life and injuries to people at risk in marine incidents Percentage of lives saved relative to lives at risk
  • 96.7% — one of the best records in the world
Reduced number and severity of search and rescue incidents Indicator under development
  • In 2004, CCG co-ordinated and responded to approximately 6,000 maritime incidents and saved approximately 2,900 lives5
Public/stakeholder confidence in search and rescue services Level of public confidence6
  • Public assessment — 7.8 out of 10

Canadian Coast Guard on the Job

One of Pacific Region's Own Receives the Cross of Valour

First Officer Leslie Palmer received the Cross of Valour, Canada's highest civilian honour for bravery, from the Governor General on October 13, 2006, for his role in saving the lives of two fishermen off the shores of Greenville Channel, near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The Cross of Valour is awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril and Mr. Palmer is only the 20th Canadian to receive this award since its inception in 1972 and the first from the Canadian Coast Guard.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-17.png

In January 2004, the two fishermen were stranded after their shrimp boat, the Larissa, was struck by severe 100-knot winds, heeling the vessel to the point where she began to take on water, forcing the men to abandon their craft. Fortunately, the crew managed to grab their survival suits before washing ashore in their life raft.

The Canadian Coast Guard cutter, CCGC Point Henry, and the Canadian Coast Guard ships, CCGS John P. Tully and CCGS Sir Wilfred Laurier, responded to the distress call. The Point Henry was first on the scene and was met with extreme weather conditions, with heavy snow, freezing spray and winds gusting to 90 knots.

The Point Henry launched its small rigid-hull inflatable, with First Officer Palmer on board. Severe winds and breaking surf on the beach forced First Officer Palmer to land half a kilometre away from the survivors.

In a brutal winter storm, through winds of up to 185 kilometres an hour and 30-below temperature, eyes freezing shut and the heavy shore spray icing the outer shell of his suit, First Officer Palmer braved hip-deep snow and sheer ice footing on a rocky shoreline and hiked half a kilometre for an hour in total darkness to administer medical care to the survivors.

First Officer Palmer's heroic courage and determination in the rescue of the two survivors, despite a very real threat to his own well-being, is a testament to all the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Program Sub-activity: Environmental Response Services

The Canadian Coast Guard is the lead federal agency for ship-source oil-spill response that mitigates marine pollution and oil spills in Canadian waters and other countries under international agreement. Following the notification of a spill, CCG will monitor the effectiveness of the private-sector response, assume control of the incident if necessary or directly use CCG resources such as vessels and other specialized pollution countermeasures equipment when the polluter is unknown, unwilling or unable to respond. Environmental Response Services, through preparedness and response, contribute to decreased environmental, economic and public safety impacts of marine spills, increase awareness, and demonstrate due diligence by the Canadian and global marine community to prevent pollution. This program is delivered with the support of CCG's operationally capable and ready fleet.


  • Rejuvenation Agenda — Renew CCG's role as a response organization to ensure that CCG enhances its efficacy as the lead federal agency for managing responses to marine pollution incidents; invest in a rejuvenated training and exercise program plan as well as a national environmental response strategy
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Minimized adverse impacts of marine pollution incidents Effectiveness of response to number of spills
  • Responded to 1,295 pollution incidents, which is stable in comparison to 2005-2006
Public/stakeholder confidence in environmental response services Level of public confidence7
  • Public assessment — 7.2 out of 10

Canadian Coast Guard on the Job

Pollution? Coast Guard Verifies and Responds... Fast

The Canadian Coast Guard Regional Operations Centre (ROC), in Central and Arctic, performs many tasks. One of them is the monitoring of an emergency line for reporting pollution. Calls concerning such reports are daily occurrences. Because ROC staff needs to authenticate pollution, it must ask verification from a local authority (marina personnel, local police, or CCG vessels and their certified crew). Sometimes there is not any sheen or trace of a pollutant to be found or very little or nothing recoverable. Sometimes there is!

So what did the Captain (Brian Riddell) and crew of CCGS Cape Dundas recently find? On the night of May 7, Cape Dundas was tasked to verify the report of an oily, tar-like substance on the water about 2 nautical miles from the CCG Base Amherstburg, near the General Chemical plant outfalls. A reservoir was discovered filled with thick oil that escaped into a 100-foot-long bay. CCG Emergency Response and the Spills Action Centre were advised and the clean-up operations were undertaken.


Oily, tar-like substance found in the bay.

Oily, tar-like substance found in the bay

    This is section of boomed-off area, near Amherstburg.

A section of boomed-off area, near Amherstburg

    Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-18.jpg

Makeshift recovery device scooping up the paint


That very same day, the ROC had another report concerning a gallon of paint spilled off a scaffold of a commercial vessel in Goderich harbour. The water was cold and the wind and wave conditions were favourable for recovery operations. The paint blew in against the wharf alongside the CCG Search and Rescue base. The Captain (Erin Vincent) and crew of the Cape Discovery used their ingenuity to recover the solidifying, coagulated globs of blue paint. They improvised, inventing a makeshift recovery device, fastening a sifter to a boathook with electrical tape. The majority of the paint was recovered.

Thanks to all CCG staff who helped live on that day — as on many others — our motto of safe, healthy productive waters and aquatic ecosystems.

Program Sub-activity: Coast Guard College

Operating as the Canadian Coast Guard's national, bilingual, degree conferring training institution, the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) educates the world-class marine professionals necessary to deliver the mandated programs of CCG in support of its mission and mandate in marine safety, security and environmental protection. Located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, CCGC was also responsible for strategic human resource planning for CCG in 2006-2007.


Plans

  • Rejuvenation Agenda — Develop a more focused and businesslike institution with a renewed mandate to supply officers and technical experts to the CCG fleet; attain financial sustainability through a resource review and the adoption of appropriate management frameworks
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Highly qualified Canadian Coast Guard personnel providing safe and effective delivery of the Canadian Coast Guard programs and services Indicator under development
  • Graduated 50 officers in navigation and marine engineering
  • Graduated 23 professional marine communications and traffic services officers
  • Provided courses to 231 Coast Guard personnel
  • Accepted 40 new Canadian Officer Cadets into the four-year degree program; this is almost double the number of new Cadets in 2005-2006
A Canadian Coast Guard ready to face current and future demographic changes Indicator under development
  • Began work on human resource and succession planning
National and international recognition for excellence in delivery of specialized marine training and expertise to Canadian and international partners and clients Indicator under development
  • 15 foreign nationals out of a class of 50 graduated from the Coast Guard Officer Training Program; graduates came from Kuwait, Norway, and Bermuda

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-21.png Coast Guard College http://www.cgc.gc.ca/CGC.php


Program Sub-activity: Maritime Security

The Canadian Coast Guard supports the Government of Canada's maritime security priorities and contributes to addressing gaps in Canada's maritime security. CCG provides on-water platform support and maritime expertise to national security and law enforcement agencies, and a wealth of maritime traffic information. In conjunction with interdepartmental partners, CCG contributes to the analysis and creation of information in support of enhanced maritime and national security. The Coast Guard Maritime Security program leverages safety-related CCG programs and services to provide collateral benefit to the Canadian and international maritime security community. This program is delivered with the support of CCG's operationally capable and ready fleet.


Plans

  • Ongoing operations
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Recognition of CCG/DFO as a value-added and proactive partner in the delivery of multi-agency solutions for enhanced maritime security Number of public security and anti-terrorism initiatives DFO/CCG is involved in
  • Involved in 17 initiatives, including project development of maritime security initiatives such as the construction of shore infrastructure for the Automatic Identification System and the development of both a domestic and international Long Range Vessel Identification and Tracking System.
  Level of confidence of federal security community
  • CCG/DFO continued to be a value-added contributor to the federal maritime security community

Program Sub-activity: Contributing to Other Government Objectives

The Canadian Coast Guard delivers civilian marine services (expertise, personnel and infrastructure (vessels and aircraft)) on behalf of other government departments or in support of agencies and organizations in the achievement of the Government of Canada's maritime priorities.


Plans

  • Ongoing operations
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Client service requirements met in a safe and efficient manner Indicator under development
  • Provided services to internal and external clients; see the Coast Guard Fleet Services program sub-activity for details

Canadian Coast Guard on the Job

Operation Lancaster

The Canadian Coast Guard provided essential support to the Department of Defence during Operation Lancaster, a military exercise in the Western Arctic. This exercise was to enhance military capabilities and the working relationships between other government departments.

Over the course of the 12-day exercise, soldiers landed on surf-pounded beaches and practised boarding techniques. DND's HMCS Montreal, HMCS Goose Bay and HMCS Moncton were involved in the operation while CCG provided assistance by deploying CCGS Terry Fox and CCGS Henry Larsen. This multi-faceted exercise, which was led by DND, also featured co-operation from the Canadian Ice Service, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-22.jpgCCGS Terry Fox fuelling a Navy vessel taking part in Operation Lancaster

CCG provided support by fuelling the Navy vessels taking part in the operation and by providing a platform for interception and boarding exercises. CCG also assisted with ship-to-shore transportation for DND personnel during the operation. The Coast Guard also hosted a formal dinner for 35 dignitaries and special guests aboard CCGS Henry Larsen.

The Coast Guard was also involved in another DND-led exercise in the Beaufort Sea. Both missions accomplished their goals and proved to be valuable learning experiences.

Program Sub-activity: Coast Guard Fleet Services

The Canadian Coast Guard co-ordinates and manages the Coast Guard Fleet, on shore and at sea, to ensure the delivery of at-sea services to support Canada's core marine services.


Plans

  • Rejuvenation Agenda — Continue the Fleet replacement strategy, including the acquisition of 8 mid-shore patrol vessels and 2 off-shore fisheries science vessels; implement vessel life extension projects to return vessels to a baseline condition; bring Fleet Renewal Plan of 2011-2015 forward for approval in 2006-2007 to replace various types of vessels; develop a human resource plan for seagoing personnel; introduce a plan for rotational crewing system for discussion; improve fleet information management, as well as fleet financial planning, pricing and costing
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Client service requirements met in a safe and efficient manner Safe delivery (in accordance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code)

Number, type and level of risk of hazardous occurrences8

  • In delivering 32,000 operational days, CCG had 289 hazardous occurrences, of which 99 were disabling injuries9; total hazardous occurrences have been slowly decreasing over time
  Number and nature of non-conformities on CCG platforms
  • Of 852 non-conformities to the Fleet Safety and Security Management System, 638 were minor, 4 major, and 210 observations10; overall, non-conformities have been increasing, which is to be expected as vessels are added to the system and Fleet personnel grow more accepting and effective in reporting non-conformities
  Efficient delivery — vessel utilization  
  Actual availability versus planned availability
  • 95% vessel availability — increasing trend over three years
  Percentage, vessel non-assignment (vessel available but not assigned to a program)
  • 1% vessel non-assignment — stable over three years
  Percentage, actual maintenance (vessel time spent in maintenance as a percentage of total vessel time)
  • 11% actual maintenance — stable over three years
  Percentage, actual multi-tasking (vessel time performing more than two programs simultaneously)
  • 14% actual multi-tasking — slightly increasing trend over three years
  Effective delivery
  Actual service delivery percentage (actual versus planned)
  • 97% service delivery (31,719 operational days delivered out of 32,700 planned)
  Actual CCG delays
  • 54 days due to ship and equipment breakdown, weather conditions, tides, etc.
  Actual client delays
  • 168 days of client delays
 

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-23.jpg

 
  • The Coast Guard's programs used the largest portion of fleet services, with 72.5% of the total annual operational days; of these programs, Search and Rescue was the biggest user of fleet services at 50.6%; departmentally, Science and Conservation and Protection used the CCG Fleet at 12.7% and 12.5%; other government departments used 2.3% of Fleet services
  • Over the past three fiscal years, there were changes in fleet utilization service trends; Search and Rescue (SAR), Environmental Response, and Maritime Security Fleet utilization increased by 3%, 28%, and 41% respectively, with a corresponding decrease in Fleet services provided to Aids and Waterways (28%), other government departments (17%), Icebreaking (5%), and Science (4%); utilization by other clients remained stable
  • Client demand was one of the major drivers that determined the changes in Fleet Service utilization trends; for example, the introduction of new technologies in Aids and Waterways resulted in fewer requests for traditional Fleet service; lighter ice seasons have lately reduced the demand for icebreaking, while the evolution of the Maritime Security program within CCG necessitated higher Fleet support; in addition, unforeseen events resulted in the increase of ad hoc requests for Fleet services, in particular from the SAR and Environmental Response programs

Program Activity: Small Craft Harbours

The Small Craft Harbours Program directly, or indirectly through Harbour Authorities, operates and maintains a network of harbours, critical to the fishing and aquaculture industries, open, safe and in good repair. These harbours are necessary for the effective operation of the commercial fisheries that contribute to the Canadian economy, directly support employment and indirectly create tens of thousands of jobs, many in rural and isolated parts of Canada.

The Small Craft Harbours program activity has one of the departmental management priorities — Departmental Renewal — and is delivered via three program sub-activities: Operations, Maintenance, and Divestiture.


Financial and Human Resources, Small Craft Harbours, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Operations 3.7 3.8 7.5
Maintenance 89.8 93.1 91.6
Divestiture 2.1 2.1 2.2
Sub-total 95.6 99.0 101.2
Program Enablers 17.6 17.9 16.3
Total 113.2 116.9 117.5
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Operations   0  
Maintenance   124  
Divestiture   0  
Sub-total 125 124 -1
Program Enablers 107 103 -4
Total 232 227 -5

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.


Expected Results — Small Craft Harbours Results Achieved
A network of harbours essential for Canada's commercial fishing industry that is open, safe, efficient and in good repair
  • Maintained a network of approximately 750 core fishing harbours
Program directions adjusted to place the Program on a more sustainable basis, while addressing evolving program requirements and client needs
  • The Department actively considered all available means to ensure the sustainability of the SCH program, including making the $20M/year Infrastructure Repair Program funding permanent and developing a comprehensive SCH Sustainability Plan to address evolving program requirements and client needs
Major repairs and maintenance to core fishing harbours undertaken
  • Undertook 1,410 maintenance projects and 171 dredging projects for a total of $82.6 million; funding was based on an allocation formula designed to provide a fair and equitable distribution of funds that takes regional priorities and safety considerations into account
Recreational and non-core fishing harbours divested and core fishing harbours modified to better meet demand
  • Divested a total of 14 recreational harbours and 5 non-active fishing harbours
Strong, professional and independent Harbour Authorities operating and managing core fishing harbours
  • Harbour Authorities, client-run volunteer, not-for-profit corporations operating at arm's length from DFO, manage and operate 92% of core fishing harbours

As of March 31, 2006, SCH was responsible for maintaining 996 fishing harbours and 193 recreational harbours. Together, these harbours included 6,000 structures valued at approximately $3 billion. All recreational harbours (193) are targeted for divestiture, as are 196 low-activity and derelict fishing harbours. To date, 652 recreational harbours and 299 fishing harbours have been divested.

Small Craft Harbours faces a number of challenges in delivering its program:

  • An insufficient base budget to maintain the overall condition of all SCH harbours, including core commercial fishing harbours;
  • Congestion at some harbours due to the increasing need to accommodate new commercial fishers and aquaculturists, coupled with changing fishing patterns, more transient fishers and larger vessels; and
  • Harbour Authorities, composed of volunteer user and local representatives, are suffering from fatigue, low turnover, increasing user demands, and pressures to accommodate more users with larger boats.

To place the Program on a sustainable footing and to respond to the evolving needs of industry clients, DFO has been working on possible new directions for Small Craft Harbours, by conducting a comprehensive study of how the Program currently operates and what changes are needed to improve operations; conducting a high-level review of the Program delivery model, the organizational structure and the human resource requirements; and developing options to rebalance resources, to restructure the organization to meet present challenges and future growth, to clarify and define working relationships with Small Craft Harbours and with delivery partners, and to standardize regional delivery and organization to provide clients with a similar and consistent range and level of services.

Highlights

  • Approximately 90% of commercial fishers use Small Craft Harbour facilities
  • Approximately $2B landed value of fish at Small Craft Harbour facilities
  • Small Craft Harbour facilities are often the only visible federal presence in some remote communities, or the only public access to waterways
  • Since its inception, the Harbour Authority Program has become the cornerstone of service delivery for SCH harbours
  • Harbour Authorities' contribution is very significant
  • Over 5,000 volunteers nationally
  • Revenues estimated at $11M are reinvested into the harbour for operations and maintenance
  • The volunteer effort approximates 135,000 hours per year nationally, which equates to nearly 70 full-time people
  • Harbour Authorities engage approximately 125 full-time staff
  • The combination of revenues and volunteer effort is equivalent to approximately $25.5M in savings per year in taxpayer dollars

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-24.png

Small Craft Harbours - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch/SCH-program_e.html

Harbour Authorities - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch/HA-AP-info_e.html

Management Priority: Departmental Renewal

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Partially met


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Develop new directions for the Small Craft Harbours program to place the Program on a more sustainable basis, while addressing evolving program requirements and client needs
  • SCH investigated alternative delivery mechanisms to improve project delivery and identify and implement strategic opportunities

Program Sub-activity: Operations

Small Craft Harbours operates, in partnership with client-run Harbour Authorities, a national system of harbours critical to Canada's commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. It co-ordinates efforts to maintain and recruit Harbour Authorities and provides support and guidance on harbour management.


Plans

  • Achieve greater economies of scale, for example, by facilitating larger geographic groupings
  • Encourage Harbour Authorities (HAs) to share the costs of harbour administration, operation and professional management
  • Use the existing network of HA Advisory Committees to communicate with HAs
  • Increase the number of existing core fishing harbours managed by HAs
  • Support superior environmental management by monitoring the Environmental Management Plans in place and ensuring compliance with federal, provincial and municipal regulations
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Efficient and effective management of core fishing harbours by Harbour Authorities Percentage of existing core fishing harbours managed by Harbour Authorities
  • 92% of core fishing harbours are managed by Harbour Authorities
Compliance with environmental and health and safety standards Percentage of core fishing harbours that have Environmental Management Plans in place
  • 75% of core fishing harbours managed by Harbour Authorities have Environmental Management Plans in place

Program Sub-activity: Maintenance

Small Craft Harbours provides strategic direction for harbour and facility development, repair and maintenance and the comprehensive program and project planning required to develop and maintain core harbours. It also promotes efficient and effective project delivery mechanisms to ensure harbour safety and optimal management of client needs.


Plans

  • Identify and implement strategic opportunities to improve project delivery by investigating alternative delivery mechanisms
  • Increase the role of HAs in project management
  • Prepare and implement an annual expenditure plan to ensure that current harbour facilities have safe structural and operating conditions and can accommodate changes in client mix over the longer term
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Condition and functional adequacy of harbours essential for Canada's fishing industry that meet client expectations Performance ratings at core fishing harbours
  • 72% of core fishing harbours have a performance rating of fair, good, or very good
Cost-effective and efficient management of maintenance and repair activities Condition of facilities at core fishing harbours
  • 81% of core fishing harbour facilities are in fair, good, or very good condition

Program Sub-activity: Divestiture

Small Craft Harbours divests harbours not essential for Canada's commercial fishing industry. To prepare a harbour for divestiture, it implements safety measures, ensures minimal maintenance, and undertakes repairs or provides equivalent grants to the purchasers after divestiture. Following divestiture, Small Craft Harbours monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of divestiture agreements.


Plans

  • Conduct pre-divestiture repairs or provide equivalent grants, with priority going to the harbours with the most urgent requirements or best opportunities
  • Implement safety measures at non-core fishing and recreational harbours pending divestiture
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Divestiture of recreational and low-activity fishing harbours with minimal negative impact on communities Number of recreational and low-activity fishing harbours divested per year
  • 14 recreational harbours and 5 non- active fishing harbours were divested during the year in review
  Number of harbours divested annually versus total number of harbours to be divested
  • 193 recreational harbours and 196 fishing harbours remain to be divested
Non-core fishing harbours pending divestiture that are safe, and active recreational harbours that remain operational Percentage of facilities at non-core fishing harbours and of recreational harbours that are rated fair, good, or very good
  • 82.5% of facilities at non-core fishing harbours and recreational harbours are in fair, good, or very good condition
  Percentage of fair, good, or very good performance ratings at non-core harbours
  • 49% of non-core harbours have a performance rating of fair, good, or very good

Data source: SCH Information Program, a national database that records current and historical data on the SCH program.

DFO On the Job

Small Craft Harbours — No Small Task

Last November, the Small Craft Harbours (SCH) Program held its 13th semi-annual National Harbour Authority Advisory Committee meeting in Ottawa. Committee members are regional representatives of Harbour Authorities, federally incorporated, not-for-profit organizations for the most part.

Created and managed by DFO's SCH, the Harbour Authorities program is designed to give more control to local communities in the handling of day-to-day operations of their harbours. There are currently 570 Harbour Authorities (composed of approximately 5,000 local volunteers) managing 687 of the 745 core commercial fishing harbours. These organizations are essential to the social and economic life of many communities in Canada that depend on local harbours. They link people to nearby waters by keeping vital harbour facilities in good repair, establishing and enforcing rules and representing the needs of users at the community level.

Present at the meeting were 15 members representing Harbour Authorities from across Canada, representatives from SCH in Ottawa and the regions, as well as Cal Hegge, Assistant Deputy Minister of Human Resources & Corporate Services (HRCS) and Minister Hearn.

(L-R) Osborne Burke, Harbour Authority of Ingonish, NS; Minister Loyola Hearn; Luc Legresley, Harbour Authority of Newport, QC; Cal Hegge, ADM HRCS — at the National Harbour Authority Advisory Committee meeting held last November (L-R) Osborne Burke, Harbour Authority of Ingonish, NS; Minister Loyola Hearn; Luc Legresley, Harbour Authority of Newport, QC;
Cal Hegge, ADM HRCS — at the National Harbour Authority Advisory Committee meeting

During two days of productive exchanges — under the theme "Creating the future together" — participants sought and obtained advice on a number of initiatives undertaken by the SCH Program and aimed at increasing HA capacity and strengthening the HA model. Several working groups on the HA manuals, the recognition program and the new management model were formed as a result and new endeavours are on the way.

In his address to participants over lunch, Mr. Hearn began by thanking the Harbour Authorities.

"It all begins at the wharf," he said. "Without your assistance, the SCH Program simply wouldn't work. Even though we may be fishing different species, using different boats, come from different backgrounds, the bottom line is we are all affected by the fishery and that is why we all need to work together."

The Minister's presence helped the Authorities feel even more empowered to take the messages from the meeting back to their communities. It will be exciting to see the progress on new undertakings such as improved communications and updated business and training tools.

Program Activity: Science

This program provides scientific research, monitoring, advice, products and services and data management to ensure departmental and federal policies, programs, decisions, and regulations associated with safe, secure, and accessible waterways are informed by science advice. The science is provided through a network of research facilities, in collaboration with other government departments, private sector, academia and international organizations.

Science has one of the departmental program priorities — Science Renewal (described in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture) and two program sub-activities: providing products and services for navigation; and supporting maritime safety and security and Canadian sovereignty.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-26.pngScience - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/main_e.htm.


Financial and Human Resources, Science, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending1 Total Authorities Actual Spending
Providing products and services for navigation 32.8 35.1 51.8
Supporting maritime safety and security and Canadian sovereignty 2.7 3.8 3.5
Sub-total 35.5 38.9 55.2
Program Enablers 11.2 11.7 10.2
Total 46.7 50.6 65.4
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Providing products and services for navigation   264  
Supporting maritime safety and security and Canadian sovereignty   9  
Sub-total 298 273 -25
Program Enablers 62 60 -2
Total 360 333 -27

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1Planned spending does not match that in the 2006-2007 RPP, as there was an addition error in the RPP.


Expected Results - Science Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Science information (oceanographic information and hydrographic products and services) are used to achieve safe navigation and sovereignty and protection Annual distribution of hydrographic charts, publications and information brochures
  • Recreational and commercial mariners purchased or received at no charge approximately 222,400 official marine paper navigational charts, publications and information brochures
  • The number of paper products distributed has continued to decline in recent years as digital chart products have become an increasingly popular alternative to the paper products
  Proportion of service targets met in the following categories: critical charting information, water level and tidal information, availability of publications, currency and availability of nautical charts, status of web information, and timeliness of distribution
  • Over the past two fiscal years, the overall percentage of service targets met has increased from 73% (2005-2006) to 78% for 2006-2007
  Work completed for Canada's claim to the continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
  • Completed approximately one-third of the planned data acquisition in the Atlantic Ocean; data acquisition in the Arctic Ocean has presented a challenge because of adverse weather conditions, shortness of the field season, and the size of the survey area

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-27.png Levels of service - http://www.charts.gc.ca/pub/en/los/


As commercial and recreational traffic on waterways has increased, so has the demand for up-to-date hydrographic and oceanographic information on both charted and uncharted waters. Keeping existing hydrographic charts up-to-date while also creating new ones continues to challenge the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). In 2006-2007, CHS continued to apply a risk-based approach and the level of service initiative to the management of the hydrographic portfolio of navigation products to ensure that areas of highest risk to safe navigation are addressed first.

The ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 2003 requires Canada to submit evidence within ten years to the United Nations Commission for the Limits of the Continental Shelf in support of its territorial claim to the continental shelf beyond the current 200-mile limit. CHS is responsible for undertaking bathymetric surveys in the Atlantic and the Arctic Oceans as part of Canada's evidence.The Pacific Ocean has no shelf that can be claimed. If successful, the claim will add an area equal to that covered by the three prairie provinces. Although Canada has until 2013 to submit the claim, the adverse weather conditions in the Arctic, shortness of the field season, and the size of area to be surveyed present a challenge.

Canadian Hydrographic Services - http://www.charts.gc.ca/pub/en/

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-28.pngCHS RiBased Approach -http://www.charts.gc.ca/pub/en/los/risk_criteria.asp

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea - http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/continental_shelf-en.aspx

Program Sub-activity: Providing Products and Services for Navigation

The Canadian Hydrographic Service contributes to the safety and accessibility of Canadian waterways by surveying, measuring, describing, and charting the physical features of Canada's oceans, seas, rivers, and navigable inland waters and making up-to-date, timely and accurate hydrographic information and products and services available to citizens, mariners, and the Government of Canada.


Plans

  • Continue to apply a risk-based approach and level of service initiative to the management of the hydrographic portfolio of navigational products
  • Undertake additional hydrographic charting in high-risk areas
  • Initiate the development of a model for increased private-sector participation in printing and distributing Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) navigational products
Expected Results Results Achieved
Improved and more up-to-date charts and other navigational products
  • Increased the number of Electronic Navigational Charts covering northern areas such as the Northwest Passage, Hudson Bay, and Western Hudson Bay, in anticipation of increased vessel traffic
Increased accuracy and detail of navigation products
  • Continued to apply the risk-based approach to managing the portfolio of navigational charts and publications
  • Reviewed 20% of all high-risk charts in accordance with level of service target
Increased access to and use of navigation tools by mariners and industry
  • Consolidated two distribution offices into one location to achieve increased program efficiencies
Increased integration of nautical information and products
  • Recently assumed full responsibility for the production, marketing, sales and distribution of digital charts and data, including the licensing of value-added resellers and dealers

Program Sub-activity: Supporting Maritime Safety and Security and Canadian Sovereignty

The Science program supports safe and accessible waterways by undertaking oceanographic research and monitoring that enables the forecasting of ocean conditions (tides, currents, etc.) and provides useful insight into the impacts of climate change on navigation. Hydrographic data and information is also provided to support territorial claims and international disputes associated with limits and boundaries.


Plans

  • Provide information, data and evidence to support Canada's claim to the outer limits of the continental shelf under Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Expected Results Results Achieved
Improved ability to forecast ocean events and ice conditions
  • No data available for 2006-2007
More hydrographic and ocean event data available to users to ensure security and safety (e.g., Department of National Defence, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, CCG)
  • DFO and Natural Resources Canada collaborated on Project LORITA (Lomonosov Ridge Test of Appurtenance), a through-the-ice survey north of Ellesmere Island with the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
Increased data to negotiate off-shore Canadian jurisdiction
  • Conducted a bathymetric survey off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland to augment existing bathymetry, which will be used to determine the foot of the continental slope
  • Conducted an initial test seismic survey to evaluate new seismic equipment for measuring sediment thicknesses in the Western Arctic; this will be important information in maximizing Canada's outer limits in this area

DFO on the Job

Charting the World's Longest Coastline

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-29.pngDetail from chart 4765 showing Hebron, Labrador, one of the thousands of ports charted by CHS

Pleasure boaters, commercial fishermen, seafarers on Canadian ships, and others from around the world all depend on the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). CHS supplies mariners with nearly a thousand different navigational charts, covering the world's longest coastline, almost a quarter-million kilometres, in all its sinuosities and with all the details of depths, buoys, lighthouses, and hazards to navigation. CHS charts also cover the Great Lakes and other major lakes and rivers.

At the Ottawa distribution centre, Jeannine Houle and Monique Smith and their regional counterparts field requests by phone, e-mail, and fax from nearly 800 chart dealers in Canada, the United States, and as far away as Japan. The Ottawa centre and a smaller one in Sidney, British Columbia, send out a total of nearly 300,000 charts, tide tables, and other nautical publications every year.

CHS charts are known for their quality. Even lying on the warehouse shelves, they get careful maintenance. Every time the Department of Fisheries and Ocean's (DFO) Canadian Coast Guard issues a Notice to Mariners about a relocated buoy, a new wharf, a new undersea cable, or other such changes, CHS staff at the distribution centres ink or patch in the changes for regular charts. (The small craft charts produced for recreational boaters in some areas are corrected at the next printing.)

Chart corrections are getting easier, with the rising popularity of print-on-demand (POD) production. Instead of staff correcting hundreds of copies of a paper chart, an operator makes one revision on the computer, and all subsequent copies are printed with the latest information.

Electronic plotters at the Ottawa centre can print scores of different charts on request. Last year saw more than 55,000 POD orders. Although most charts still get produced on regular lithographic presses, CHS is looking towards more use of POD, perhaps including charts printed out at the dealership.

Besides the regular paper chart, usually priced at $20, CHS produces jacketed cruising atlases that include several charts covering neighbouring areas. New waterproof charts for some areas have become a big seller among boaters.

Mariners are also making more use of electronic navigation charts (ENCs) on CD-ROMs. The vessel operator slips the disk into a computer and navigates on-screen. Canada has one of the largest ENC portfolios in the world.

Electronic charts can provide even more information than paper ones, giving, for example, the height, length, age, and ownership of a wharf at the click of a computer mouse. The electronic data are available in two forms: the full navigational chart with all the details and a simpler raster version popular on pleasure craft.

Other CHS publications include Sailing Directions, 25 different volumes for the different areas of Canada. Charts depict the surface and bottom, but, says Rick Mehlman, Supervisor of Chart Support and Maintenance, "Sailing Directions tell you what the chart can't show — for example, that a tall church spire dominates a bay, reflects the sun, and can be seen from seven miles offshore."

CHS also prepares and prints tide tables, another major operation. In such areas as the Bay of Fundy, with the world's highest tides, the tidebook is the mariner's Bible. Other publications include the Canadian Tidal Manual, Small Craft Guides, instructional charts, bathymetric (seafloor) maps, Radio Aids to Marine Navigation, the List of Lights, Buoys, and Fog Signals, and the essential Notices to Mariners. Issued in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard, the latter publication includes chart corrections, also available through the Internet (at www.notmar.gc.ca).

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-30.jpg Photograph of Hebron from the Sailing Directions. The text notes that "the settlement was abandoned in the early 1960's but is still occupied occasionally for short periods of time by Inuit families from Nain. Many of the buildings were standing in 2003, in particular the large Moravian Mission church and dormitory."

As the CHS motto states, "Nautical Charts Protect Lives, Property and the Marine Environment." Charts are the captain's silent partner. Canada's reliable, comprehensive, high-quality charts are there because CHS is there, working with quiet competence to keep mariners safe.

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

The strategic outcome Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture is about delivering an integrated fisheries and aquaculture program that is credible, science based, affordable, and effective, and contributes to sustainable wealth for Canadians.

This strategic outcome is delivered through three program activities:

  • Fisheries Management;
  • Aquaculture; and
  • Science.

As a sustainable development department, DFO works to protect and conserve Canada's aquatic resources, while supporting the development and use of these resources. To do this, the Department depends on sound scientific research and advice and on developing a modernized fisheries management regime that is integrated with the broader oceans management agenda. The pursuit of strong conservation outcomes through the implementation of a comprehensive risk management framework, as well as the precautionary and ecosystem approaches, allows DFO and resource users to better understand the impacts of fishing on fish stocks and fish habitat.

DFO continues to pursue a renewal agenda that addresses many of the chronic challenges faced by the fishing sector — adapting to an increasingly fast pace of industrial change, technological advances, environmental degradation, climate change, and global market pressures — in addition to the particular challenges resulting from dependence on the use of a common-property natural resource. At the same time, DFO remains focused on modernizing the decision-making system and building a new relationship with resource users based on shared stewardship. Efforts have been guided by the principles of predictability, stability and transparency. Steady improvement has been made, particularly in stabilizing sharing arrangements developing a modern management approach, but much remains to be done. DFO needs to continue to clarify and adapt policies and programs to promote flexible fishing enterprises able to adjust to resource, environmental, market and other fluctuations.

The state of global fisheries and aquaculture resources also affect Canadians. The International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy guides Canada's activities intended to improve international fisheries and oceans management. One of the Strategy's objectives is to improve high seas fisheries governance by promoting lasting improvements in international standards and practices and in support of Canadian priorities.

DFO's vision for aquaculture is to create the conditions necessary to enable sustainable and environmentally responsible aquaculture development in Canada. The objective is to establish enduring benefits for Canadians through the harvesting of aquatic organisms while upholding the ecological and socio-economic values associated with Canada's oceans and inland waters. The development of aquaculture in Canada requires a streamlined regulatory environment, harmonized standards and practices, and enhanced public confidence in government's oversight.

The Science program provides scientific research, monitoring, advice, products and services, and data to support the sustainable harvest of wild and cultured fish and other aquatic resources and to contribute to sustainable wealth.

Results Chain

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-31.jpg

What Did DFO Spend?

Approximately 38% of the Department's total expenditures for 2006-2007 — or $631 million — was used to ensure sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.


Financial and Human Resources, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Fisheries Management 379.5 409.5 364.0
Aquaculture 2.7 2.8 4.9
Science in support of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture 152.9 160.9 151.8
Program Enablers1 121.1 122.6 110.1
Total 656.2 695.7 630.9
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Fisheries Management 1,502 1,436 -662
Aquaculture 27 38 11
Science in support of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture 1,048 1,016 -32
Program Enablers1 689 665 -24
Total 3,266 3,155 -111

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 Financial and human resources for Program Enablers have been prorated across program activities. The section Other Items of Interest provides further information on Program Enablers.

2 The difference in FTE utilization under the Fisheries Management Program Activity was the result of lower than expected recruitment of Conservation and Protection cadets. Cadets are hired as employees once they have graduated.

Program Activity: Fisheries Management

The overall goal of fisheries management is the conservation of Canada's fisheries resources to ensure sustainable resource utilization through close collaboration with resource users and stakeholders based on shared stewardship. Fisheries Management is responsible for international fisheries conservation negotiations and relations, shared management of interception fisheries11 in international waters and management of the Aboriginal, commercial and recreational fishing activities in the coastal waters of Canada's three oceans.

The Fisheries Management program activity has two of the departmental program priorities — International Governance, led by the Strategic Policy Sector, and Fisheries Renewal — and is delivered via five program sub-activities: Resource Management; Aboriginal Policy and Governance; Salmonid Enhancement Program; International Fisheries Conservation; and Conservation and Protection.


Financial and Human Resources, Fisheries Management, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Resource Management 101.7 103.5 77.5
Aboriginal Policy and Governance 119.4 136.2 116.0
Salmonid Enhancement Program 26.0 26.6 29.9
International Fisheries Conservation 7.7 7.9 16.6
Conservation and Protection 124.6 135.2 124.2
Sub-total 379.5 409.5 364.0
Program Enablers 63.7 64.3 60.5
Total 443.2 473.8 424.5
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Resource Management   409  
Aboriginal Policy and Governance   99  
Salmonid Enhancement Program   207  
International Fisheries Conservation   17  
Conservation and Protection   704  
Sub-total 1,502 1,436 -66
Program Enablers 414 400 -14
Total 1,916 1,836 -80

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.


Expected Results — Fisheries Management Results Achieved
Conservation of stocks and habitat
  • Developed a draft policy to address the impacts of fishing on and conservation of benthic habitat; consultations will take place in 2007
  • Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) members agreed to protect four seamounts in the NAFO Regulatory Area by closing them to commercial fishing activities until the end of 2010
  • Agreement within NAFO for significant reforms to the organization's monitoring, control, and surveillance measures; these changes will increase deterrence and reduce rule-breaking on the water
Sustainable resource use for present and future generations
  • DFO is developing Fishery Sustainability Checklists for all of Canada's key commercial fisheries to measure the biological and management aspects of fishery sustainability, and the status of management measures and their contribution to conserving the fish stocks and the ecosystems in which they live

Efforts to improve international fisheries and oceans governance continued to be successful. DFO made significant progress in various international fora on overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In January 2007, Mr. Loyola Sullivan was appointed as ambassador for Fisheries Conservation to promote awareness in Canada and abroad of the overall strategy to strengthen international fisheries and oceans governance.

An ongoing investment is needed to continue the current momentum for action and change and to address emerging challenges. The International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy is laying the necessary integrated groundwork to strengthen international governance. Results thus far are promising; however, more effort is needed to address upcoming challenges, including the concerns and aspirations of developing countries.

DFO continued to implement the Fisheries Renewal priority to modernize fisheries management in Canada and provide a comprehensive management framework. The focus is on four objectives: Strong Conservation Outcomes; Shared Stewardship; Stable Access and Allocation; and Modernized Compliance. Under this priority, DFO is also developing a new fisheries management governance model by revising the Fisheries Act, which will enable DFO and resource users to meet conservation objectives, and will enable resource users to respond to economic forces that impact their industry.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-32.pngFisheries and Aquaculture Management -http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/fish_man/index_e.htm

Program Priority: International Governance

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Exceeded


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Implement the second year of the International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy (three-year funded strategy)
  • Supported activities designed to lead to more responsible management of high seas fisheries and the sustainability of high seas ecosystems; major achievements include:
  • Advancing global action on overfishing and IUU fishing within such important institutions as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries
  • Contracting Parties of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) agreed to update the NAFO Convention, particularly to incorporate key principles from the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFA)
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a Resolution on sustainable fisheries, which advanced a number of Canada's interests, including the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems
  • See also Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-33.pngInternational Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/overfishing-surpeche/index_e.htm

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolutions - http://www.un.org/Depts/los/general_assembly/general_assembly_resolutions.htm


Program Priority: Fisheries Renewal

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Met


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Develop a new governance model for fisheries management, including proposals to modernize the Fisheries Act
  • Tabled a renewed Fisheries Act in Parliament on December 13, 2006
Improve conservation outcomes through a new relationship with all resource users based on shared responsibility and accountability for resource management and its outcomes
  • Launched the Ocean to Plate initiative in 2006-2007 to:
  • Establish a more stable access and allocation process
  • Make decisions more transparent
  • Allow stakeholders to focus on improving conservation and fisheries management instead of focusing on securing a share of the resource
Develop options and innovative regulatory and governance approaches to support Fisheries Renewal
  • The tabled modernized Fisheries Act reflects innovative approaches to fisheries management
Ensure business structures and practices complement and enable policy, program and legislative renewal
  • Continued to enhance business planning, performance measurement and risk management processes

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-34.png Fisheries Act - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/infocus/2006/20061213_e.htm

Ocean to Plate initiative - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2007/hq-ac17a_e.htm


Program Sub-activity: Resource Management

This program delivers policies, programs and plans, in partnership with industry, to manage, protect and conserve fisheries resources. The program is necessary to ensure sustainability and provide for the fair allocation and distribution of harvestable surpluses among those dependent on the resource. The program, with input from related Fisheries and Oceans Canada program areas and stakeholders, develops and implements Integrated Fisheries Management Plans for each fishery, which integrate conservation, management and scientific objectives, and spell out the required measures to conserve and manage a fishery, including the enhancement of salmon stocks on the Pacific Coast. Allocations between user groups and fleet sectors are an important aspect of resource management. Fish stocks are managed by allocating quotas to entire fleet sectors which then fish competitively or give specific percentages of the quota to individuals or businesses, and by controlling effort, escapement or by-catch.


Plans

  • Continue to prepare and implement Integrated Fisheries Management Plans for all key fisheries
  • Modernize fisheries management by clarifying policy direction and programming
Expected Results Results Achieved
Integrated management of fisheries resources in collaboration with stakeholders
  • Implemented the Oceans-to-Plate management approach
  • Improved fisheries planning, expanded shared stewardship, and improved relations with stakeholders by:
  • Further stabilizing access and allocation
  • Implementing the policy on Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada's Atlantic Fisheries
  • Integrating the management of groundfish fisheries in British Columbia
  • Consulting stakeholders on the more than 170 fisheries plans
A modernized fisheries management regime
  • Following extensive consultations with fishers and other stakeholders, DFO rolled out an initial set of initiatives to respond to their concerns, e.g., Oceans-to-Plate approach, measures to preserve the independence of inshore fleets in Atlantic Canada, approaches to encourage rationalization in the fishery; these initiatives, along with a renewed Fisheries Act, are the first steps to a modernized regime

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-35.png Fisheries Act - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/infocus/2006/20061213_e.htm

Ocean to Plate initiative - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2007/hq-ac17a_e.htm -


Program Sub-activity: Aboriginal Policy and Governance

This program provides policy advice on Aboriginal fishing issues, negotiates agreements on the management of Aboriginal fisheries, integrates agreements into overall management frameworks, and advises on land claims and self-government. The program is necessary to build strong, stable relations with Aboriginal groups, to manage fisheries in a manner consistent with the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Sparrow and subsequent decisions, and to promote fisheries-related economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities. The program is guided by a proactive approach in its relationship with Aboriginal groups based on assisting Aboriginal peoples to obtain the capacity to more effectively participate in the multi-stakeholder processes used for aquatic resource and oceans management and building their capacity to take advantage of opportunities to participate in commercial fisheries and aquaculture development.


Plans

  • Negotiate and implement fisheries agreements with Aboriginal groups and Aboriginal communities and promote integrated commercial fisheries
  • Provide policy advice and support in regard to maintaining and enhancing relations with Aboriginal groups
  • Modernize fisheries management by clarifying policy direction and programming
Expected Results Results Achieved
Negotiation and implementation of fisheries agreements with Aboriginal groups
  • Signed agreements with 167 Aboriginal groups
  • Completed 3 Comprehensive Land Claim Agreements in British Columbia
Promotion of integrated commercial fisheries
  • Supported Aboriginal participation in integrated commercial fisheries by:
  • Completing agreements with 31 of 34 eligible First Nations in Atlantic Canada, which fulfilled all outstanding commitments in fisheries agreements signed under the Marshall Response Initiative
  • Implementing 17 At-Sea Mentoring Initiative Agreements
  • Implementing 3 Fisheries Operations Management Initiative Agreements
  • Implementing 146 agreements worth $35 million under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS)
  • Implementing 31 agreements valued at $14.7 million under the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) Programs for capacity building, collaborative management and economic opportunities; DFO also facilitated the retirement of 51 licences, provision of gear and re-allocation of quota to support Aboriginal participation in commercial fisheries

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-36.png Marshall Response Initiative - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/marshall/marshall_e.htm

Aboriginal Fishing Strategy - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/fish_man/afs_e.htm

Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/fish_man/Aboriginal-Autochtones/AAROM/SOI_e.htm


Program Sub-activity: Salmonid Enhancement Program

This program focuses on fish production to preserve vulnerable stocks and sustain fisheries, increasing public awareness and building community involvement capacity. The program is geared to enhancing and rebuilding salmon stocks and restoring and improving fish habitat in British Columbia and the Yukon. The Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) hatcheries fall into three main categories: major facilities (18) managed by government employees; community development projects (21) operated by local community group employees; and public involvement projects (178) ranging from classroom incubators to substantial hatcheries operated mostly by volunteers. SEP plays a pivotal role in maintaining wild salmon populations for the Aboriginal, commercial and recreational fisheries.


Plans

  • Continue fish production at hatcheries
  • Continue fish habitat restoration projects and initiatives
  • Continue community outreach, partnering and education
Expected Results Results Achieved
Strategic enhancement of wild stocks and fish habitat
  • Continued to operate 23 hatcheries and managed spawning channels; contracted with 21 community and First Nations partners to operate community-based enhancement platforms; released a total of 361 million juvenile salmon from enhancement facilities; and supported recovery of six salmon populations of significant conservation concern, including two captive brood programs
  • Supported numerous recreational, commercial and First Nation's fisheries targeting certain stocks
  • Collaborated on 111 habitat restoration projects with various community-based partners in support of enhanced salmon production
Increased awareness and stewardship to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat
  • Supported over 10,000 volunteer stewards who participated in about 300 community-based projects in the areas of small-scale salmon hatchery work, streamkeeper training, stream monitoring, salmon stock and habitat assessment, school education programs, outreach and learning activities, as well as local stewardship and planning activities
  • Collaborated with community groups that were able to lever additional resources (money, volunteer time and materials) from many other sources in support of salmon conservation, awareness, and stewardship
  • Implemented the fourth year of the Stream to Sea Education Strategy

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-37.png Salmon Enhancement Branch - http://www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/facilities/salmonid_e.htm


DFO on the Job:

DFO and the Adams River Salute to the Sockeye

The swiftly moving waters of the Adams River hold a well-known secret. Every four years, in October, the river rises and swells in a cacophony of red, undulating bodies. It is home to one of the premier sockeye salmon runs in Canada. Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff have been involved in providing interpretation of this natural miracle for over thirty years. In that time, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe have travelled to Roderick Haig Brown Park in the interior of British Columbia to witness the miracle of death and rebirth of the sockeye.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-38.jpgSockeye Salmon (Norbert Wu)

In the fall of 2006, this ancient ritual was repeated and we were there, hosting the 2006 Salute to the Sockeye event. In the three weeks between October 1st and 22nd almost 15,000 school children come to the site to reinforce their understanding of the event, which is a part of the BC curriculum. They were joined by 87,000 tourists who travelled from the farthest points of the globe to experience the grace, challenge and beauty of the run. The run was also featured in extensive international media coverage.

The Salute is a phenomenal example of stewardship in action. Twenty-five department staff worked with provincial, municipal and local governments, First Nations, community partners and many others to host the internationally recognized event. We will be on the ground in the fall of 2007 for a sub-dominant run celebration.

Program Sub-activity: International Fisheries Conservation

This program negotiates and administers international treaties and agreements affecting conservation, allocation, the conduct of bilateral and multilateral fisheries relations with other countries, the settlement of issues related to maritime boundary disputes, and the formulation and presentation of international fisheries conservation advice to the Minister. The program conducts the international relations necessary to advancing Canada's fisheries conservation interests and maximizing allocations to Canadians from internationally managed fish stocks.


Plans

  • Negotiate and administer bilateral and multilateral fisheries treaties and governance agreements related to trans-boundary, highly migratory, straddling and external fish stocks on the high seas
  • Develop and implement a governance strategy on long-term foreign overfishing and fishing on the international high seas
Expected Results Results Achieved
Assertion of Canadian interests with respect to internationally managed fish stocks
  • Protected Canadian fishing opportunities in all tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and bilateral fisheries agreements, in conformity with scientific advice
Sound international fisheries governance
  • Actively participated in negotiating Kobe Course of Actions, resulting in commitments by a large number of members of tuna RMFOs to strengthen these organizations and to achieve sustainable fisheries
  • Advanced initiatives to modernize and make international fisheries governance more efficient and effective in key regional fisheries management organizations such as the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO)
Protection of Canadian sovereignty
  • Formal and informal bilateral consultations were held with a number of key fishing countries, including the United States and the European Union, to advance Canadian international fisheries management objectives and priorities

Program Sub-activity: Conservation and Protection

This program deploys Fishery Officers to ensure compliance with the legislation, regulations and fishing plans relating to conservation and sustainable use of Canada's fisheries resources, the protection of species at risk, fish habitat and oceans. The program is conducted through promotion, monitoring and enforcement. The program creates a greater awareness of conservation goals and objectives among resource users and stakeholders to enhance compliance. This program is delivered with the support of the Canadian Coast Guard's Operational Readiness sub-activity and support from National Defence.


Plans

  • Deploy Conservation and Protection personnel to promote compliance and deter non-compliance activities
  • Promote compliance and enforcement activities on the Fraser River
  • Modernize fisheries management by clarifying policy direction and programming
Expected Results Results Achieved
A high level of compliance with fisheries legislation and regulation in the delivery of effective compliance programs
  • Carried out a diversified compliance program consisting of about 76,200 hours promoting compliance through schools and stakeholder meetings; about 337,000 hours patrolling (land, air and sea) and verifying compliance with various legislation, regulations and management measures; and another 151,727 hours conducting investigations, carrying out special operations and participating in court procedures related to prosecutions
  Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-39.jpg
A more strategic, integrated, innovative, risk-based compliance program
  • Developed a new compliance framework with a continued emphasis on traditional enforcement activities and increased commitment to compliance education and shared stewardship, major case management and special investigations; this has led to creating new enforcement advisory committees; spending more time in schools and in informal interaction with resource users to educate and promote better compliance, and refining the capacity to deal with organized illegal activity through better training, co-ordination and intelligence gathering, and analysis
  • Implemented a new model to assess risks to compliance and to set more risk-based operational priorities

DFO on the Job

Conservation and Protection in Action

  • In April 2007, the Pacific Region's first conviction under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) yielded a 12-month conditional sentence and a $40,000 fine for one individual and four months of house arrest, a $10,000 fine and 80 hours of community service for two others. They forfeited their pickup truck, boat and scuba gear and are banned from scuba diving. All three pleaded guilty under s.63 of the Pacific Fishery Regulations, s.33 of the Fisheries Act and s.32(2) of the Species at Risk Act. The sentence follows a three-year investigation and a four-day stakeout of the men near Prince Rupert. They were arrested in February 2006 in possession of 1,100 abalone (2500Kg) - the largest seizure in BC. It is believed that the men were part of a larger poaching ring.

    Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-40.jpgFishery officers took nearly 1,130 kilos of abalone off poachers. They began to count the fish but returned them to the water for fear they would die!

  • Conservation and Protection, Maritimes Region, wrapped up an investigation that lasted five long years, stretched worldwide, and led to a $839,734 penalty to seven fishers and the company to which they were linked. The fishers were illegally catching prized bluefin tuna with a value of approximately $1.2 million. Up to 27 Fishery Officers were involved in evidence collection during the investigation. New techniques such as forensic accounting were key to the success. The fine has set a precedent for fishers enforcement in the country. Fishery Officers have effectively brought down a group of high-profit poachers and contributed to the protection of this and other aquatic species.
  • The recreational groundfish fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador was opened for 35 days in 2006, the first in some areas since 2002. Significant effort by Conservation and Protection was dedicated to the monitoring of this fishery to assess participation rates and harvest levels and to achieve optimal levels of compliance with the management measures and put in place. Approximately 6,600 Fishery Officer hours were directed towards this fishery. Fisher and boat inspection rates averaged 5.8% and 6.5% respectively. Of the total 64 occurrences recorded, only 25 involved infractions of regulations. Compliance rates were relatively high. This recreational groundfish fishery was considered successful.
  • Increased Fishery Officer enforcement activities on the Fraser River were conducted to ensure the protection of sockeye stocks. This was accomplished by bolstering existing resources to increase vessel, vehicle and helicopter patrol coverage; monitoring compliance during licensed First Nations, recreational, and commercial fisheries; conducting strategic enforcement activities during conservation closures; and increasing communication and relationship building with First Nations groups and other resource users. Outcomes were very positive as fisheries proceeded in a safer and more orderly fashion, relationships were improved, and monitoring and patrol coverage was very thorough. Sockeye escapement was also very good.
  • A total of 83 new Fishery Officer recruits graduated from the Fishery Officer Career Progression Program classroom training and have now been posted in DFO field offices across Canada. This is the first time in a number of years that over 95% of the Fishery Officer positions in the country have been staffed.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-41.png

Program Activity: Aquaculture

Aquaculture development in Canada benefits Canadians through the production of aquatic organisms (e.g., salmon and mussels) while upholding the ecological and socioeconomic values associated with Canada's oceans and inland waters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as the lead federal organization for aquaculture, provides a horizontally managed and integrated intradepartmental approach, to create the conditions for a vibrant and innovative aquaculture industry that is environmentally and socially responsible, economically viable and internationally competitive. The program is delivered in collaboration with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, industry, the private sector, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders.

Aquaculture has one of the departmental program priorities — Aquaculture Governance — and no sub-activities.


Financial and Human Resources, Aquaculture, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Aquaculture 2.7 2.8 4.9
Program Enablers 0.8 0.8 0.8
Total 3.5 3.6 5.7
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Aquaculture 27 38 11
Program Enablers 5 5 0
Total 32 43 11


Plans

  • Resource and structure the organization to effectively deliver on DFO's aquaculture responsibility
  • Create an enabling policy and regulatory environment that contributes to the development of a competitive aquaculture industry
  • Develop an integrated national government approach to aquaculture
  • Introduce measures to support the safety of aquaculture products and the environmental sustainability of aquaculture operations
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Informed and objective decision-making Percentage of decisions complying with a risk/evidence/science-based decision-making approach
  • DFO continued to rely heavily on its science, the evidence produced by historical data, and the risks identified through strategic planning when setting the necessary conditions for responsible and sustainable aquaculture development
Sound and integrated governance Percentage of regions with operating federal and joint federal/ provincial/territorial review bodies
  • Progress continued towards establishing agreements with provincial/territorial partners to create and implement additional federal/ provincial/territorial review bodies as part of the aquaculture renewal process
Enhanced environmental monitoring, compliance, and auditing  
  • The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Aquaculture Task Group held a series of technical national workshops to develop an Integrated Risk Management Framework for the environmental effects of aquaculture
Stakeholder/partner engagement Increase in aquaculture production, i.e., growing, competitive, market-focused industry with good environmental and social performance
  • Available statistics indicate that after experiencing a significant decrease in production in 2004, the aquaculture sector is now experiencing a return to 2001 production levels; in 2005, aquaculture production was 154,993 tonnes with a value of $715.1M
A streamlined regulatory environment, harmonized standards and practices, and enhanced public confidence to support the development of aquaculture in Canada Creation of codes of conduct by industry that address federal requirements
  • Continued to work with industry and provincial partners to facilitate the development of industry-led and managed codes of conduct for the various areas of aquaculture production
  • Over the past few years, industry-regulated codes of conduct have been developed and implemented by industry, in partnership with federal and provincial partners, for different productions, such as mussels, salmon, and freshwater finfish; in fiscal year 2006-2007, no new codes were established

Supporting this complex file, with its shared jurisdictions and its shared implications throughout the federal government, remained a challenge for DFO. Nevertheless the Department persisted in its efforts to collaborate with its many partners to create and solidly establish the necessary conditions to renew the Canadian aquaculture industry and enable the realization of its full potential through environmentally responsible and sustainable means. Work continued to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sector and to identify directions for its sustainable development.

Progress continued to be made on priority and emerging issues within the Department's Aquaculture Governance file, particularly through collaboration with other federal and provincial partners towards a framework to guide renewal of the Canadian aquaculture sector. DFO continued to work towards setting the appropriate conditions to enable the sector to realize its potential through environmentally responsible and sustainable means that will generate enduring socioeconomic benefits for all Canadians, particularly in communities that engage in aquaculture and its supporting industries, in coastal and rural environments.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-42.pngAquaculture Management - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/aquaculture_e.htm

Program Priority: Aquaculture Governance

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Met


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Ensure that the regulations for aquaculture are effective and cost efficient, while providing for accountability and transparency
  • Beginning in 2006-2007, DFO worked with other federal and provincial partners in a number of areas to enhance the effectiveness of the current regulatory regime for aquaculture
Develop a more integrated government response to emerging aquaculture opportunities and challenges through stronger collaboration with federal, provincial, and territorial partners
  • Initiated work on a co-ordinated approach to aquaculture environmental regulatory renewal with other federal departments and provinces
Establish a renewed aquaculture management framework
  • The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) accepted in principle the concept overview for a renewed national aquaculture management framework developed by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) Aquaculture Task Group
Promote increased public and consumer confidence by undertaking and publicizing measures to support the safety of aquaculture products and the environmental sustainability of aquaculture operations
  • Surveys on aquaculture indicate that Canadians continue to support responsible aquaculture development; for example, in the Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Northern, Freshwater and Inland Residents in Canada,12 72% of all respondents indicated they supported the practice of fish farming in Canada; of those who did not indicate support, only 12% were opposed and 16% stated they were too unfamiliar with aquaculture to provide an opinion
  • Undertook various initiatives to promote and increase public confidence, including launching a new aquaculture website and conducting proactive, targeted media outreach in British Columbia
  • Conducted a survey of the US domestic supply chain13 (the most significant market for Canadian aquaculture products) to better understand the marketing challenges facing the Canadian aquaculture industry when working to supply the American market; findings include:
  • A strong market potential for Canadian aquaculture products
  • Positive perceptions about Canadian farm-raised seafood, although many participants admitted little knowledge of Canadian aquaculture
  • Mixed perceptions regarding Canadian aquaculture production methods (sustainability, innovation) and quality standards

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-43.pnghttp://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/aquaculture_e.htm


DFO On the Job

Sea Farming Expansion in Quebec

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region, took part in the fifth Rendez-vous de l'industrie maricole du Québec, which attracted over 180 people to the Gaspé region from March 21 to 23.

Representatives from private and public organizations came to this biennial event to hear and share the latest information in the field of sea farming, attend presentations by scientific experts, analyze market trends, and discuss technical problems affecting the industry.

Researchers from DFO's Maurice Lamontagne Institute gave presentations on parasite control, production techniques, feeding, seaweed farming, spotted wolffish culture, and scallop-harvesting methods.

DFO also displayed two booths in the exhibitors' hall. One focused on sustainable sea farming, highlighting federal involvement in scientific research, resource conservation, water quality, and financial assistance for businesses. The other booth featured Harbour Authorities, created by the Department, and stressed their importance to the marine industry.

Sea farming is a growing socioeconomic activity in Quebec coastal communities. The Government of Canada plays a key role in strengthening the industry. It supports the development of sustainable sea farming operations that respect the environment and human health, thereby promoting new knowledge and various uses of the marine environment.

Program Activity: Science

This program provides advice and recommendations based on scientific research and monitoring, as well as products and services and the management of data on Canada's oceans and resources. This ensures departmental and federal policies, programs, decisions, and regulations associated with sustainable fisheries and aquaculture are informed by scientific knowledge. The science is provided through a network of research facilities, in collaboration with other government departments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations.

Science in support of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture has one priority — Science Renewal — and is delivered through six program sub-activities: monitoring and assessing the status of fishery resources; supporting the assessment and recovery of species at risk; researching aquatic invasive species and monitoring aquatic animal diseases; supporting sustainable aquaculture and understanding aquaculture-environment interactions; applying genomics and biotechnology to aquatic ecosystems; and contributing to science management in DFO and the Government of Canada.


Financial and Human Resources, Science, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending1 Total Authorities Actual Spending
Monitoring and assessing the status of fishery resources 68.6 71.4 88.1
Supporting the assessment and recovery of species at risk 11.4 11.7 7.0
Researching aquatic invasive species and monitoring aquatic animal diseases 21.9 22.9 20.4
Supporting sustainable aquaculture and understanding aquaculture-environment interactions 13.1 13.5 13.4
Applying genomics and biotechnology to aquatic ecosystems 3.4 3.8 3.8
Contributing to science management in DFO and the Government of Canada 34.5 37.6 19.1
Sub-total 152.9 160.9 151.8
Program Enablers 56.7 57.4 48.9
Total 209.6 218.3 200.7
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Monitoring and assessing the status of fishery resources   585  
Supporting the assessment and recovery of species at risk   44  
Researching aquatic invasive species and monitoring aquatic animal diseases   126  
Supporting sustainable aquaculture and understanding aquaculture-environment interactions   109  
Applying genomics and biotechnology to aquatic ecosystems   28  
Contributing to science management in DFO and the Government of Canada   124  
Sub-total 1,048 1,016 -32
Program Enablers 269 260 -9
Total 1,317 1,276 -41

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

1 Planned spending does not match that in the 2006-2007 RPP, as there was an addition error in the RPP.


Expected Results - Science Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Scientific information to support a program vision of sustainable harvest and culture of fish and other aquatic resources and to contribute to sustainable wealth and environment Scientific production by Fisheries and Oceans as measured by percentage of DFO publications compared to Canadian totals in the subfields of marine biology and hydrobiology and oceanology and limnology
  • In 2004, DFO produced 27% of all Canadian publications in marine biology and hydrobiology, and 31% of publications in oceanography and limnology; DFO's performance remains consistent in the discipline of marine biology and hydrobiology, but the volume of publications in the discipline of oceanography and limnology has declined in recent years14
Canadians' confidence in DFO Science to conduct scientific research to monitor and promote the health of fish stocks and the marine environment
  • Over the past several years, Canadians have continued to have a moderate degree of confidence in DFO's Science Program to monitor and promote the health of fish stocks and the marine environment; the most recent data indicates that Canadians' confidence has remained relatively consistent since 2000 (Source: Public Opinion Survey by Pollara, 200015, and Créatec, 200616)
Level of partnering in scientific research
  • Involved in approximately 525 collaborative research projects with other federal departments and agencies, the private sector, other levels of government, universities and colleges, and international governments and organizations
Number of responses to requests for science advice
  • In 2005, approximately 146 publications were produced through the DFO Science Advisory process co-ordinated by the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat17 in response to advisory needs identified from internal and external DFO clients in support of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

Science contributes to a number of departmental and Government of Canada initiatives and priorities that are directly related to the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture strategic outcome. These include Canada's International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy, the Species at Risk Act, Canada's Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species, the National Aquatic Animal Health Program, and the Canadian Biotechnology Strategy. In addition to these priorities, Science supports the Fisheries Renewal and the Aquaculture Framework Agreement by providing information for policies, programs, and regulations.

The Science Renewal priority continued to contribute to an increase in the scope and depth of scientific activity, building Canada's capacity for aquatic science, ensuring the transparency and credibility of scientific advice, and contributing to scientific innovation and commercialization of technology.

These initiatives, supported by strategic investments in areas such as ecosystem science and hydrographic charting in high-risk areas, have continued to move the Science Program in a direction that improves its relevance, effectiveness, and affordability for the benefit of Canadians.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-45.pngScience - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/main_e.htm

Program Priority: Science Renewal

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Met


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Carry out long-term strategic and multi-year planning in collaboration with clients and partners
  • Integrated the Science Management Board into the Departmental Planning Framework
  • Developed the Ecosystem Science Framework in support of Integrated Management and the Five-Year Research Agenda to clarify priority research areas and to ensure that Science products, services, and advice meet the needs of clients
  • Held a workshop with more than 140 representatives from other federal departments and universities to fine-tune the approach to Science renewal and associated initiatives
Provide stability for long-term, public-good monitoring and data management, while maximizing flexibility in the areas of scientific research, advice, services, and products to respond to evolving departmental and federal government priorities
  • Completed plans for most science functions (e.g., research, monitoring, data management, products, and services) to ensure resources are aligned with federal and departmental priorities

Program Sub-activity: Monitoring and Assessing the Status of Fishery Resources

Through monitoring, research, and data management, Science provides an assessment of the status (e.g., growth, abundance, recruitment, distribution, and migration) and conservation objectives for fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals in support of the sustainable management of the fisheries resource. This information is provided to decision-makers to inform decisions on sustainable harvest levels and international negotiations on the management of straddling stocks.


Plans

  • Support Canada's strategy to curb overfishing and strengthen international fisheries governance by improving knowledge of the structure, functioning, and properties of high seas ecosystems, as well as the ecological impacts of fishing
  • Assist Fisheries and Aquaculture Management in applying the precautionary approach, implementing the Pacific Wild Salmon Policy, developing and implementing a Wild Atlantic Salmon Policy, and providing advice on conservation objectives
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased knowledge of stock-specific conservation requirements and impacts of harvesting for use by decision-makers
  • Held a workshop on qualitative risk assessment of fishing gears and the impact of fishing gear on benthic habitats and communities to advance the understanding of these activities
  • Undertook enhanced scientific activity on issues related to overfishing on the high seas; studies related to high seas ecosystems and the ecological impacts of fishing are under way on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to support the International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy
Increased knowledge of sustainable fisheries practices for use by industry and fishers
  • Collaborated with Fisheries Management to develop and implement the precautionary approach to the Canadian fishery; this included a decision-making framework based on the precautionary approach, and a sustainability checklist for use in measuring status and progress towards sustainability in individual and groups of fisheries
  • Contributed to the consultation draft of the Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation Policy
  • Provided advice on conservation objectives for a range of exploited stocks

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-46.png Impacts Of Trawl Gears And Scallop Dredges On Benthic Habitats, Populations And Communities - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/status/2006/SAR-AS2006_025_E.pdf


Program Sub-activity: Supporting the Assessment and Recovery of Species at Risk

The Species at Risk Act was created to protect wildlife species from becoming extinct. As the Department with authority for aquatic species under the Act, the Science program undertakes targeted research and monitoring to provide advice to decision-makers on the status of aquatic species, the issuance of permits (incidental harm) and agreements, and the recovery of the species at risk, including the identification of critical habitat.


Plans

  • Provide information to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in support of its efforts to identify and assess species that may be at risk
  • Provide advice on the issuance of Species at Risk Act (SARA) permits and agreements by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans under Section 73 and 74 of the Act
  • Provide advice on the recovery of species at risk; this includes developing and implementing recovery strategies and action plans, identifying habitats necessary for the survival and recovery of the species, and evaluating the chances of recovery
  • Support consultations on 22 species that are candidates for Schedule 1 listing (Species at Risk Act)
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased knowledge to support recommendations for SARA listing and for the issuing of permits
  • Contributed advice to listing consultations on eight freshwater species under the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk
  • Contributed data and analyses for all Canadian fish (1,400 species), marine mammals (49 species), and marine reptiles (4 species) to the report Wild Species 2005: The General Status of Species in Canada; this report is used by COSEWIC to prioritize species for assessment
  • Provided peer-reviewed advice and data and reviewed all species status reports in support of COSEWIC's effort to identify and assess species that may be at risk
Increased knowledge in support of actions for the recovery of listed species
  • Contributed advice to the development of Recovery Potential Assessments for freshwater and marine species, and evaluated recovery strategies

Wild Species 2005: The General Status of Species in Canadahttp://www.wildspecies.ca/wildspecies2005/index.cfm?lang=e

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-47.pngCOSEWIC -http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/applications/Events/event_e.asp?year_selected-2006

Recovery Strategies -http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/applications/Events/event_e.asp?year_selected-2006


Program Sub-activity: Researching Aquatic Invasive Species and Monitoring Aquatic Animal Diseases

Aquatic invasive species are a major threat to aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the fisheries and aquaculture industries that healthy and productive ecosystems sustain. The objective is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. Knowledge derived through science activities, such as research on pathways of invasion, methodologies to detect new invasions, risk assessments, control measures, as well as the monitoring of established populations, supports the development of regulatory frameworks, control of existing invasive species, and rapid responses to newly discovered introductions. Monitoring, surveillance, detection, and reporting of aquatic animal diseases of national and international importance in wild and cultured aquatic animals is imperative to prevent serious disease outbreaks. Knowledge derived through science informs certification of aquatic animal health status in support of the Canadian fish/seafood trade and the delivery of federal responsibilities under the Health of Animals Act and the Fisheries Act.


Plans

  • Start implementing Canada's Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species by undertaking research to address high-priority species, pathways of invasion, and geographic locations; work will continue on planning activities associated with the rapid response to newly discovered introductions, and the development of the national Aquatic Invasive Species database; methodologies for detecting new invasions, tracking the spread of established populations, and assessing risk will also be examined
  • Support Policy Sector in the development of a national regulatory framework for Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Continue implementing the National Aquatic Animal Health Program; Science will establish a National Diagnostic and Research Laboratory System for delivery of information required to support new aquatic animal health regulations being developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Assist with the development of new aquatic animal health regulations under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Health of Animals Act and work with the Agency to ensure delivery of federal responsibilities
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased knowledge of pathways, controls, and impacts of aquatic invasive species for use by decision-makers
  • In support of Canada's Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species:
  • Continued developing the Aquatic Invasive Species database to enable information sharing among provincial, federal, and university researchers
  • Established a national Centre of Expertise to undertake formal risk assessments on aquatic invasive species
  • Provided advice on the development of Part III of Bill C-45 (the renewed Fisheries Act), which provides for increased power to regulate aquatic invasive species
Enhanced ability to prevent serious disease outbreaks and certify aquatic animal health status in support of the Canadian fish/seafood trade
  • In support of the National Aquatic Animal Health Program:
  • Continued to develop a national laboratory system to expand the scope of laboratory diagnostics, improve quality control and quality assurance, assess information management needs, undertake targeted research to enhance disease detection, validate risk analyses, and finalize plans to mitigate or eradicate outbreaks of exotic disease
  • Worked with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to strengthen trade-related disease certification and minimize Canada's exposure to exotic pathogens; also conducted initial work on developing new aquatic animal health regulations
  • Consulted and negotiated with key international partners to promote a science-based approach to the harmonization of trade standards, validate import controls, and control aquatic animal disease ports of entry

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-48.png National Aquatic Animal Health Program - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/health-sante_e.htm#1


DFO On the Job

How Much Do Rock Crabs Like Tunicates?

The project had never been tried in Atlantic Canada: a native species caught by commercial fishers got released back into the ocean to help kill off an invasive species. Rock crab is the native species. The invasive species is the vase tunicate, which affects cultured mussels.

Last August, 18,550 kg of rock crab were caught at the mouth of a Prince Edward Island bay. The crabs were then transported to the inner part of the bay and released in the area of cultured mussel leases in the Brudenell and Montague rivers. Will they eat the tunicate, as anecdotal evidence from mussel growers suggests?


Some of the 18,500 kg of live rock crabs being released from a fishing boat onto mussel leases in a PEI river.

Some of the 18,500 kg of live rock crabs being released from a fishing boat onto mussel leases in a PEI river

      Biologist takes samples of tunicates from cultured mussel lines in PEI.

Biologist takes samples of tunicates from cultured mussel lines in PEI


Over the years, growers have reported increasing numbers of rock crab in the area of their mussel leases. The small crabs don't do any harm to the mussel crop. They seem more interested in the tunicates covering the mussel socks.

To help the crabs out, mussel growers lowered hundreds of their vertical mussel socks so their ends would touch the river bottoms. The lines then served as ladders for the rock crabs to crawl up and be able to reach the tunicates covering the mussels.

The project, an initiative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Province of PEI, and the PEI Aquaculture Alliance, is expected to uncover to what extent rock crabs eat tunicates.

The vase tunicate, also known as the sea squirt or Ciona intestinalis, is a commercially worthless, slimy, and very unwelcome invasive species that is attracted to aquaculture sites. It grows on mussel socks and gear, competes for food, weighs down the mussel lines, and makes harvesting a costly, labour-intensive process.

If the hypothesis turns out to be correct and rock crabs do like to gorge themselves on the tunicates, the interactions among these three species could prove incredibly valuable to the PEI mussel industry — one of the largest and most successful aquaculture industries in all of Canada.

The project could in fact be a win-win situation for both industry partners, since the commercially viable rock crabs are getting a surplus of food, which may increase their growth and productivity, while the mussel industry is getting help to reduce the impact of a nuisance species.

As a side note, sonic tags were attached to 50 crabs released on the mussel leases. Over the next year, the tags should reveal to the scientists and the industry just how far the rock crabs travel in the bays.

Program Sub-activity: Supporting Sustainable Aquaculture and Understanding Aquaculture-Environment Interactions

Science has an important role to play in supporting sustainable aquaculture production. Science efforts are directed towards improved fish nutrition, health, production, and an increased understanding of the interactions between aquaculture and the environment. This knowledge is used by decision-makers in the development of aquaculture policies and guidelines, as well as industry in adopting aquaculture practices that improve sustainability.


Plans

  • Develop and operationalize a national integrated aquaculture science framework
  • Provide scientific information and advice on the interactions between aquaculture and the environment, notably on the science underpinning aquaculture performance, monitoring requirements, operational standards, and best management practices
  • Co-ordinate and engage in collaborative research and development in support of sustainable aquaculture and the commercialization of innovations
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased knowledge for use by decision-makers for the development of aquaculture policies and guidelines
  • Established the Centre for Integrated Aquaculture Science to lead, facilitate, co-ordinate, and implement an inter-regional and nationally integrated DFO aquaculture research program
Increased knowledge of sustainable aquaculture practices for use by the aquaculture industry
  • Directed approximately $4.5 million towards sixty Aquaculture Collaborative Research Development Program projects in 2006-2007; these projects were undertaken to improve performance in fish production, environmental performance research, and aquatic animal health

Program Sub-activity: Applying Genomics and Biotechnology to Aquatic Ecosystems

Both knowledge and its application through technology are vital for fostering the sustainable development of aquatic resources. Adopting leading-edge genomics research and biotechnology tools improves Fisheries and Oceans Canada's ability to protect endangered species, manage the opening and closing of fisheries, avoid over-exploitation of resources, prosecute poachers, improve aquaculture practices, control disease outbreaks, remediate contaminated sites, and develop the knowledge necessary to support regulation and risk assessments of aquatic organisms with novel traits.


Plans

  • Continue to identify genetic markers to improve species and strain identification
  • Develop and apply genomic tools to detect and monitor aquatic animal diseases, as well as environmental stress in aquatic ecosystems
  • Develop bio-remediation technologies to support the remediation of contaminated sites
  • Conduct research on the genetics, biology, physiology, behaviour, and fitness of novel and transgenic fish in support of the Department's regulatory obligations to administer the New Substances Notification Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
  • Continue to fulfil a regulatory role through implementation of the New Substances Notification Regulation Program for notifications of aquatic organisms with novel traits, including genetically engineered fish for import or manufacture; also develop new aquatic-specific regulations
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased knowledge and use of biotechnology by decision-makers managing aquatic resources
  • Used the results of ongoing research to identify and validate genetic markers for species and strain identification, bio-remediation technologies, and genomics-related tools to detect and monitor aquatic animal diseases, to identify species of interest or concern, to aid in the protection of endangered species and the management of various fisheries and aquaculture operations, and to assess biodiversity in support of fisheries enforcement
Increased knowledge and capacity to assess applications for novel aquatic organisms
  • Collaborated with Environment Canada and Health Canada in the continuing implementation of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act New Substances Notification Regulations for aquatic organisms with novel traits, and further progress towards the development of new aquatic-specific regulations
Improved processes for evaluation/approval of novel aquatic organisms
  • Conducted ongoing research in support of the Department's regulatory obligations to administer the Canadian Environmental Protection Act New Substance Notification Regulations for aquatic organisms with novel traits, including the publication of peer-reviewed papers

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-51.png New Substances Notification Regulatory Program - http://www.ec.gc.ca/substances/nsb/eng/home_e.shtml


Program Sub-activity: Contributing to Science Management in DFO and the Government of Canada

Rapidly emerging departmental and federal priorities for science require a flexible and responsive Science program that is aligned with the needs of decision-makers today while being anticipatory of the requirements for tomorrow. Given this challenge, the Science program continuously scans existing and emerging science-based issues requiring science advice to inform decision-making and determine how the program can be mobilized to ensure relevance, efficiency, affordability, and value to Canadians.


Plans

  • Continue to implement the renewal of the Science Program with a view to finishing in the next two to five years
  • Continue to integrate the Department's science and technology efforts with the broader national agenda for science and technology
  • Pursue opportunities to build knowledge and recognition of DFO's scientific achievements through strategic public outreach initiatives with national partners
Expected Results Results Achieved
Effective and efficient use of resources (e.g., financial, human, facilities)
  • Published an annual report of Science Program accomplishments and results
  • See also Program Priority: Science Renewal, page 56
Contribution to interdepartmental federal science and technology initiatives
  • Contributed to Canada's Federal Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage

Annual Report - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/annual_report/index_e.htm

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-52.png Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage -http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/532340a8523f33718525649d006b119d/3e7f6374fd018f9c852572de00503b8a!OpenDocument


DFO On the Job

Canadian Expertise a Major Focus in World's Reference on Scallops

Once again, Canadian expertise in marine science leads the way, this time in a 31-chapter reference text on scallops entitled Scallops: Biology, Ecology and Aquaculture. Jay Parsons, of the Department's Aquaculture Science Branch, is co-editor of the new edition with Sandra E. Shumway of the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut.

Scallops are tasty, well-known shellfish of great economic importance. They occupy a unique niche in the marine environment, and there is a major scallop fishery in Canada. The publishers, Elsevier, point out that since the publication of the first edition in 1991, commercial interest in scallops has grown globally and this is reflected in the 17 extensive chapters covering both fisheries and aquaculture for all species of scallops in all countries where they are fished or cultured.

Jay Parsons said, "The new edition is a very complete text covering all aspects of the biology of scallops. We think it is essentially the definitive reference for researchers, and for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and scallop mariculturists. It can also be a resource for an ecosystem approach to management of scallop aquaculture and fisheries."

The book covers scallop biology including anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, larval biology, and neurobiology. Chapters also address diseases and parasites, genetics, population dynamics, and the adductor muscle, with extensive reference lists provided for each chapter.

Nine current and retired Fisheries and Oceans Canada researchers contributed to the book, including Jay Parsons and Sharon McGladdery in the Ottawa-based Aquaculture Science Branch; Neil Bourne, Susan Bower, and Raymond Lauzier of the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo; Peter Cranford and Ginette Robert of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth; and Shawn Robinson of the St. Andrews Biological Station. Other Canadian contributors were V. Monica Bricelj of the Institute for Marine Biosciences of the National Research Council, John H. Himmelman of the Biology Department at Laval University in Quebec City, Raymond J. Thompson of Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Bruce A. MacDonald of the Biology Department and Centre for Coastal Studies at the University of New Brunswick.

Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems

The strategic outcome Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems ensures the sustainable development and integrated management of resources in or around Canada's aquatic environment through oceans and fish habitat management. It also involves carrying out the critical science and fisheries management activities that support these two programs.

This strategic outcome is delivered through three program activities:

  • Oceans Management;
  • Habitat Management; and
  • Science.

Oceans are a finite resource, yet the scale and diversity of oceans-related activities are growing dramatically. Commercial fishing fleets, fish farmers, recreational boaters, ecotourists, cruise ship operators, offshore oil and gas developers, and marine transport companies all seek to use ocean resources. The growth of coastal and marine activities has resulted in ecosystem imbalances, degradation of the marine environment, and the introduction of potentially harmful species.

In January 1997, Canada enacted a law, the Oceans Act, which established an innovative approach to the way our nation will manage its oceans in the 21st century. Canada released its Oceans Strategy on July 12, 2002. The Oceans Strategy provides policy direction, assists in building partnerships, and supports a number of key activities.

As a practical companion piece to the Oceans Strategy, the Government of Canada announced the Oceans Action Plan (OAP) in the 2004 Speech from the Throne. The Oceans Action Plan, announced in the February 2005 budget, focused on improving oceans management and preserving the health of marine ecosystems. It involves working collaboratively across all levels of government in Canada and with Canadians to pursue sustainable development and implement integrated management plans and Marine Protected Areas in Canada's oceans and coastal areas. The Oceans Action Plan Phase I has enabled Government-wide action to develop Canada's ocean resources for the benefit of coastal communities while protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Specifically, Fisheries and Oceans has established six Marine Protected Areas to date and is working on five more. Furthermore, the federal budget 2007 announced that six additional Marine Protected Areas would be established in the future.

The International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy supports the Oceans Action Plan by focusing on the international leadership required to improve sectoral management of ocean resources. Canada promotes improved oceans governance and biodiversity protection by encouraging better use of international tools and mechanisms.

Development projects that occur in and around marine and freshwater ecosystems across Canada can impact fish and fish habitat. These projects can range from simple docks and water crossings to complex aquaculture, mining, hydro, and oil and gas development. Each project must be reviewed to determine its impact and to ensure that it complies with the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act.

The continuing surge in economic development activities taking place across Canada, particularly in the natural resource-based economic sectors and in the North, has resulted in an increased workload for the Habitat Management Program. In addition, the program has had to deal with more complex projects requiring regulatory review and environmental assessment, heightened expectations for stakeholder consultations, and higher legal thresholds for consultations with Aboriginal communities.

The Science Program provides scientific research, monitoring, advice, products and services, and data management to support the integrated management of healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems for the benefit and enjoyment of Canadians. Science work is founded on the needs of an ecosystem-based approach to the integrated management of Canada's oceans and inland waterways, consistent with the direction provided by the Science Management Board. The ongoing implementation of the Science Renewal priority will also contribute to departmental priorities associated with improved planning and reporting and departmental renewal.

Canada's Oceans Strategy -Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-54.png http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/oceans/ri-rs/cos-soc/index_e.asp

Oceans Action Plan - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/oceans/oap-pao/index_e.asp

Results Chain

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-55.png

What Did DFO Spend?

Approximately 11% of the Department's total expenditures for 2006-2007 — or $183 million — was used to ensure healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems.


Financial and Human Resources, Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Oceans Management 26.0 29.9 17.7
Habitat Management 56.6 58.7 57.0
Science in support of Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems 53.4 58.7 68.4
Program Enablers1 45.8 48.3 39.9
Total 181.9 195.5 183.0
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Oceans Management 114 107 -7
Habitat Management 452 461 9
Science in support of Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems 493 452 -41
Program Enablers1 225 217 -8
Total 1,284 1,237 -47

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 Financial and human resources for Program Enablers have been prorated across program activities. Section 4 provides further information on Program Enablers.

Program Activity: Oceans Management

Oceans management involves the conservation and sustainable use of Canada's oceans in collaboration with other levels of government, Aboriginal organizations, and other non-government stakeholders through the development and implementation of objectives-based integrated oceans management plans and the application of marine conservation tools. Modern oceans management arrangements deal with a number of challenges, including oceans health, marine habitat loss, declining biodiversity, growing demands for access to ocean resources, and regulatory and jurisdictional complexities.

The Oceans Management program activity has one of the departmental program priorities — Oceans Action Plan — and is delivered through three program sub-activities: integrated management; marine protected areas; and other oceans management.


Financial and Human Resources, Oceans Management, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Integrated Management 9.0 9.3 6.3
Marine Protected Areas 4.7 4.9 2.1
Other Oceans Management 12.3 15.7 9.3
Sub-total 26.0 29.9 17.7
Program Enablers 7.1 7.2 6.7
Total 33.1 37.1 24.4
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Integrated Management   44  
Marine Protected Areas   13  
Other Oceans Management   50  
Sub-total 114 107 -7
Program Enablers 46 45 -2
Total 160 152 -9

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.


Expected Results —
Oceans Management
Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Increased collaboration between all key stakeholders involved in managing Canada's oceans Oceans Action Plan deliverables completed and used to inform the development of Oceans Action Plan Phase II
  • All deliverables are either completed or near completion; progress on the Oceans Action Plan was heavily used to develop the Budget 2007 proposal on the Health of the Oceans
Establishment of Regional Implementation Committees (RICs) within Large Ocean Management Areas
  • Established Regional Implementation Committees (RICs) or equivalents for all large ocean management areas
Completion of workplan for Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers — Oceans Task Group
  • Workplan completed; key deliverables included: a report outlining roles of provincial and territorial governments in the Oceans Sector, a BC study to determine the economic value of marine-related activities, an inventory of all Marine Protected Area sites in the provinces and territories, and a Social, Economic and Cultural Guidance Document developed for Integrated Management
Improved wealth and opportunities for coastal communities Indicator under development
  • Started to develop baseline data on current uses, economic profiles, and social/cultural characteristics
Increased conservation of marine and coastal environments Completion of five Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports and identification of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas
  • Completed Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports for all five Large Ocean Management Areas (LOMAs)
  • Developed and applied an operational framework and guidelines for identifying Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in each of the five LOMAs
Improved health of the oceans Percentage of the 10 potential Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to be designated by 2009
  • 60% of potential Marine Protected Areas have been designated

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-56.png Oceans Action Plan - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/oceans/oap-pao/index_e.asp)


Last year, DFO focused on strengthening relationships federally, provincially, and territorially. The Department established new national governance bodies and new horizontal arrangements, and partnerships are emerging among federal departments and with partners. The Department also developed collaborative working relationships with coastal communities, provinces, Aboriginal groups, industry, and other interested parties. DFO has established Regional Implementation Committees, which include interdepartmental federal and provincial representatives or equivalents in all Large Ocean Management Areas (LOMAs).

2006-2007 was also a science-focused year. Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports (EOARs), technical documents that provide information on marine and coastal ecosystems, including ecosystem and species status and trends, impact assessments, and management recommendations to support integrated oceans management planning and further decision-making, were completed for all LOMAs.

Within the context of oceans health, DFO designated another MPA — Musquash Estuary in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick — in line with Canada's Marine Protected Area (MPA) Strategy. This makes a total of six MPAs designated to date, with additional MPAs proposed. DFO also identified numerous Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) and tackled oceans pollution. For example, DFO enhanced aerial surveillance to identify ships discharging pollutants into the Atlantic Ocean. This allowed for improved enforcement actions and early responses to the spills.

Finally, opportunities for new oceans technologies are being explored. For example, the Placentia Bay Technology Demonstration Platform is an OAP commitment that is already showing good signs of progress. A co-operative Oceans Work Plan between Canada and the United States was also developed to support integrated management (particularly in transboundary areas such as the Gulf of Maine), to advance an ecosystem-based approach to oceans management, to improve the efficiency of implementing each nation's oceans actions plans, and to promote advanced planning.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-57.pnghttp://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/oceans/index_e.asp

Program Priority: Oceans Action Plan

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Met


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Establish ecosystem-based approaches to science and develop new oceans technologies to provide essential support for decision-making
  • Developed national guidelines for identifying conservation priorities and phrasing conservation objectives for Large Oceans Management Areas
  • Identified conservation objectives for the five Large Ocean Management Areas, and is reviewing draft conservation objectives for the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management Initiative (ESSIM)
Develop innovative regulations to prevent marine pollution from ships and to reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species
  • Transport Canada received funding through the Oceans Action Plan to develop and implement Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations
Implement seabed mapping and ecosystem science to support Integrated Management
  • Natural Resources Canada is the lead for this initiative, supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Hydrographic Service; although mapping was expected to be completed in 2006-2007, funding delays resulted in some mapping being rescheduled to 2007-2008
Implement pilot projects in Placentia Bay to demonstrate the potential of new oceans technologies
  • Implemented the SmartBay Buoy Program as an operational "ocean observing system" for Placentia Bay; the program provides up-to-date, readily accessible information, such as custom weather and sea-state forecasts, access to digital multi-beam data, community information, fisheries information, and aquaculture environmental monitoring information

Guidance Document On Identifying Conservation Priorities and Phrasing Conservation Objectives For Large Ocean Management Areas - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/Csas/status/2007/SAR-AS2007_010_E.pdf

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-58.pngCanada's Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/oceans/mpa-zpm/fedmpa-zpmfed/pdf/mpa_e.pdf

Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations - http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/TP/Tp13617/menu.htm

SmartBay Buoy Program - http://www.smartbay.ca/index.php


Program Priority: International Governance

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Exceeded


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Implement the second year of the International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy
  • Supported activities designed to lead to more responsible management and the sustainability of high seas ecosystems:
  • Achieved ministerial endorsement by the Arctic Council for a Canadian co-led initiative to implement an ecosystem approach in the Arctic Ocean
  • Brokered consensus in the United Nations General Assembly and the Convention on Biological Diversity for recommendations on protecting high seas biodiversity
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a Resolution on sustainable fisheries, which advanced a number of Canada's interests, including the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems
  • See also Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, page 40

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-59.png International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/overfishing-surpeche/index_e.htm


Program Sub-activity: Integrated Management

Integrated oceans management involves adopting a spatially based planning and management approach, based on ecosystem-scale management objectives, which provide guidance to all ocean-related regulators. Associated governance structures provide a forum for bringing together ocean users and stakeholders, including provinces, territories, Aboriginal groups, industry, and coastal communities, to plan for activities in Canada's oceans. The development of plans that include ecological, social, and economic objectives is a key requirement of successful integrated oceans management.


Plans

  • Continue the integrated management planning of five priority Large Ocean Management Areas: Placentia Bay/Grand Banks, Scotian Shelf, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Beaufort Sea, and the Pacific North Coast; in the initial phase, the main focus will be ecosystem overview reports and mapping of sensitive marine areas
  • Continue to address governance issues in integrated management planning
  • Develop federal-provincial-territorial agreements on oceans priorities as required
  • Develop agreements with First Nations or other Aboriginal organizations
  • Conclude the Canada-BC Memorandum of Understanding on Oceans
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Regional Implementation Committees established for each of the 5 Large Ocean Management Areas Number of Regional Implementation Committees involved in the implementation of the Oceans Action Plan Phase I
  • All five Regional Implementation Committees (or equivalents) are involved in the implementation of Oceans Action Plan (OAP) Phase I
Active involvement of the Oceans Technology Group to facilitate advancement of integrated management Indicators under development
  • The Oceans Science and Technology Partnership18 hosted four major cross-consultation workshops with ocean industries and academia
  • Prepared a strategy document entitled Global Markets for Ocean Observation Systems
Signing of federal and provincial Memorandums of Understanding and other agreements related to oceans management Provinces, territories, Aboriginal groups, and stakeholders engaged and actively participating in the implementation of Oceans Action Plan Phase I and the development of Oceans Action Plan Phase II
  • Continued to work on finalizing ocean management sub-agreements regarding information sharing, coastal planning, and coastal management under the 2004 Canada-BC Memorandum of Understanding, Respecting the Implementation of Canada's Oceans Strategy on the Pacific Coast of Canada
  • Continued to develop agreements with several Atlantic provinces (PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador) and stakeholders such as the Fish, Food and Allied Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University
  • Finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newfoundland Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science-based guidance to oceans stakeholders and regulations focused on sustainable development goals Percentage of Large Ocean Management Areas (LOMAs) with Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports (EOARs) completed and Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) identified
  • Completed EOARs for all five LOMAs based on recently completed guidelines for evaluating Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports
  • Identified several EBSAs within each of the LOMAs; this work is ongoing

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-60.png The Oceans Science and Technology Partnership - http://www.ostp-psto.ca/

Global Markets for Ocean Observation Systems - http://www.ostp-psto.ca/Files/P382_OOS_Executive_Summary_FINAL_2006.pdf


DFO on the Job

Trading Books for Boats

Peter Smith, of ACAP Humber Arm, talks to students about how to collect water samples and temperature
Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-61.jpg

Forget the books and hop aboard a boat — at least for one day! That's the innovative approach of an educational program that encourages a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, water quality. Aimed at grade nine students, the Trading Books for Boats initiative addresses pollution in the Bay of Islands, located near Corner Brook on the west coast of the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador.

One day in the fall, students head out in a chartered boat to different sites around the Bay to collect water samples and temperatures.

Conrad Mullins, an Oceans biologist with Oceans and Habitat Management in the Region, played a huge part in initiating the program. He strongly believes that this hands-on learning experience has a lot of impact on students.

"They'll look at their samples under a microscope in a laboratory, analyze the information and produce a report on their results. They can compare the temperature and water quality data from those of the previous year for a particular area, and see if there is an improvement," he says.

Conrad is excited about the opportunities a program like this brings. Not only does it instill coastal planning awareness in youth, it will also help to diminish the pollution problem in the Bay of Islands area.

"This program does three things — one, it serves as an education and public awareness tool for anyone who wants to access the information; two, it is a monitoring tool for us and the stakeholders we're working with to know whether or not their work is actually having an impact; and three, it helps to build relationships among government agencies and community groups engaged in sustainable oceans management," he explains.

The program was developed in 2002 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Atlantic Coastal Action Plan (ACAP), and has been so well received that it is now accredited by the Department of Education in the province for grade nine Science and Technology Program, and supports the marine environment outcomes for the course.

The Trading Books for Boats Program is gaining popularity as other schools across the province are hoping to make it a part of their curriculum.

"Over the past four years, all schools in the Bay of Islands have participated, with more than 3,000 students involved. Young people and others learn to become concerned not only about making a living from the marine environment, but also about whether or not the oceans are healthy," Conrad concludes happily.

Program Sub-activity: Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) support the sustainable management of the oceans resource by providing options to secure critical aspects of the ecosystem from harm. Since healthy and productive ocean ecosystems are the foundation of all ocean-related activities, a number of actions including MPAs are undertaken to protect and manage unique and sensitive ecosystems. Furthermore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Parks Canada are all mandated to establish MPAs for different but complementary reasons.


Plans

  • Implement the federal Marine Protected Area (MPA) Strategy
  • Communicate a government-wide strategy for MPAs
  • Designate MPAs on a priority basis as approved by the Minister in all three of Canada's oceans
  • Identify candidate MPAs in the five priority Large Ocean Management Areas (LOMAs) as building blocks of the national network
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Increased understanding and protection of the marine environment within the five priority Large Ocean Management Areas (LOMAs) and Marine Protected Areas Implementation of the federal MPA Strategy
  • Developed draft Guidelines for the Establishment of a Federal Marine Protected Areas Network for interdepartmental, provincial, and public review
Designation of new Marine Protected Areas by March 2007 Completion of the designation process for the establishment of identified MPAs
  • Basin Head (2005); Gilbert Bay (2005); Eastport (2005); The Gully (2004); Endeavour (2003); Musquash Estuary (2006)
  Identification of areas of interest in the five LOMAs as components of the national MPA network
  • This work is ongoing

DFO on the Job

Musquash Estuary is Canada's Newest Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Musquash Estuary
Photo: David H. Thompson

Musquash Estuary has been officially designated a Marine Protected Area (MPA) under Canada's Oceans Act. It is the first MPA designated in New Brunswick.

Musquash Estuary is located along the coast of the Bay of Fundy, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick. Given its large size and relatively undisturbed condition, Musquash is unique among Bay of Fundy estuaries. It is one of the last ecologically intact estuaries in a region where human activities have modified most of the original salt marshes.

The New Brunswick provincial government has transferred 1150 hectares (or 11.5 square km) of Musquash Crown lands to the federal government.

Formal MPA designation celebrates the substantial and longstanding efforts of dedicated individuals and local conservation organizations to protect Musquash estuary and the surrounding coastal lands.

Program Sub-activity: Other Oceans Management

Other Oceans Management activities include enhancing leadership, federal co-ordination, and collaboration with other levels of government to achieve common oceans objectives in the delivery of the Oceans Action Plan.


Plans

  • Finalize seismic guidelines designed to mitigate the effects of seismic sound on the marine environment
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Co-operation with federal, provincial, and territorial agencies implementing the seismic guidelines Mitigation of seismic sound in the marine environment through development of science-based marine environmental quality guidelines
  • Federal and provincial authorities have approved the draft Canadian statement of practice to mitigate the impacts of seismic sound; First Nations consultations to be initiated in 2007

Program Activity: Habitat Management

In collaboration with others, Habitat Management involves conserving and protecting fish and fish habitat from the impacts of activities occurring in and around fresh and marine fish-bearing waters, and improving (restoring and developing) fish habitat through the administration of the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act, providing advice on related provisions of the Act, and applying non-regulatory activities. It also involves conducting environmental assessments before regulatory decisions listed in the Law List Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and participating in other environmental assessment regimes. These activities are performed in a manner consistent with the Species at Risk Act, the Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat, and other operational policies; consultation with Aboriginal groups; the goals and principles of sustainable development; and the policies and priorities of the federal government.

Habitat Management has one of the departmental program priorities — Environmental Process Modernization — and is delivered through three program sub-activities: conservation and protection of fish habit; environmental assessments; and other habitat management.


Financial and Human Resources, Habitat Management, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars)   Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Conservation and Protection of Fish Habitat   23.3 24.0 40.21
Environmental Assessment   19.8 20.8 2.9
Other Habitat Management   13.4 13.8 14.0
Sub-total   56.6 58.7 57.0
Program Enablers   14.1 15.9 13.5
Total   70.7 74.6 70.5
Human Resources (number of FTEs)   Planned Actual Difference
Conservation and Protection of Fish Habitat     323  
Environmental Assessment     23  
Other Habitat Management     115  
Sub-total   452 461 9
Program Enablers   95 91 -3
Total   547 552 6

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1The difference between planned and actual spending is due to a corrective internal reallocation in the Central and Arctic Region in 2006-2007, from Environmental Assessment to Conservation and Protection of Fish Habitat.


Expected Results — Habitat Management Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Healthy and productive fish habitat available to sustain the production of fish species and populations that Canadians value Number of habitat compensation plans developed to create and/or replace fish habitat lost as a result of development projects
  • Developed approximately 435 compensation plans

The Department's Habitat Management Program (HMP) is the key federal environmental regulator for most development projects that occur in and around marine and freshwater ecosystems across Canada. In 2006-2007, HMP received approximately 7,250 proposals, known as referrals, for review of the impact on fish and fish habitat. Based on the review, HMP staff send advice to proponents indicating the requirements for the conservation and protection of fish habitat. These requirements are commonly in the form of a Letter of Advice, an Operational Statement for low-risk activities, or a Fisheries Act Authorization.

DFO was a responsible authority in more environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) than any other single federal department or agency — about 20% of total federal screenings and 30% of all comprehensive studies.

DFO continued implementation of the Environmental Process Modernization Plan (EPMP). Performance information collected through an online engagement process that DFO completed in 2006 and/or recorded in the Program Activity Tracking for Habitat system indicates that DFO achieved results as planned.

Habitat Management Program -http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/index_e.asp

Environmental Process Modernization -Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-63.pnghttp://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/modernizing-moderniser/index_e.asp

Online Engagement Process -http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/measuring-mesures/online-direct/index_e.asp

Program Priority: Environmental Process Modernization

Overall result achieved in 2006-2007: Met


Commitments in the 2006-2007 RPP Progress
Implement a program-wide, science-based risk management framework for identifying projects posing the greatest risk to the environment
  • Implemented a Risk Management Framework and developed additional Pathways of Effects that describe cause-and-effect relationships between specific development activities and fish habitat
Streamline referrals of low-risk projects so that resources can be allocated to higher risk reviews and other priorities
  • Received 1,400 notifications of use of Operational Statements
Improve management of major projects, including new policy guidance and new organizational structures
  • Allocated new resources and established special business units to focus on major projects across Canada
  • Published a series of decision-making guides (protocols) for Habitat Management staff to improve the predictability and timeliness of decisions
Formalize partnerships with industry sectors, provinces, territories, municipalities, conservation groups, and others to enhance understanding, adopt common agendas, and integrate DFO's responsibilities with the interests of key stakeholders
  • Signed a formal partnership agreement with a coalition of nine major national/regional conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on public education, monitoring, and watershed planning
  • Established the National Fish Habitat Coordinating Committee (NFHCC) in co-operation with the Canadian Environmental Network to enable advocacy and improve consultations undertaken by the Department
  • Implemented agreements with Canada's natural resource industry sectors, provinces, and territories
Improve the predictability and coherence of decision-making by implementing mandatory training for all staff, and adopting new governance structures and national operating procedures
  • Continued to implement the national Mandatory Training Program (MTP) for all Habitat Management staff:
  • 90% of Habitat staff completed the Habitat Management -101 course
  • 20% of staff completed the Information Management -101 course
  • Adopted a Standard Operating Policy Manual and successfully implemented new internal governance structures for the Habitat Management Program
Clarify compliance rules to improve effectiveness
  • Developed and implemented a National Habitat Compliance Protocol to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of Conservation and Protection and the Habitat Management Program in the delivery of an integrated DFO habitat compliance program

Risk Management Framework - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/modernizing-moderniser/risk-risques_e.asp

Operational Statements - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/modernizing-moderniser/epmp-pmpe/index_e.asp

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-64.png Environmental Assessments and Major Projects - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/modernizing-moderniser/eamp-eegp_e.asp

Agreement with major conservation non-governmental organizations - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2007/hq-ac10a_e.htm

Partnering agreements - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/aboutus-apropos/partners-partenaires/index_e.asp?#Partnering

Compliance modernization - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/modernizing-moderniser/modernization-modernisation_e.asp


Program Sub-activity: Conservation and Protection of Fish Habitat

In collaboration with others, this program conserves and protects fish and fish habitat from the impacts of activities occurring in and around fresh and marine fish-bearing waters and improving (restoring and developing) fish habitat through the administration of the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act and the application of non-regulatory activities.


Plans

  • Implement these aspects of EPMP: risk management, referral streamlining, partnering, and modernization of habitat compliance
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Proponents' projects completed with minimal or no adverse effects on fish habitat Number of Letters of Advice and Authorizations issued
  • Provided proponents and others with approximately 5,000 items of written advice, and issued approximately 435 Fisheries Act Authorizations
Number of partnership agreements/arrangements
  • Finalized fewer than expected agreements with Aboriginal groups in 2006-2007
  • Developed approximately 90 partnerships with other levels of government, NGOs, Aboriginal groups, and Conservation authorities
Percentage of proponents that comply with the requirements of the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act
  • Received approximately 7,250 habitat referrals for review to ensure compliance with the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act.
  • This represents a 20% reduction in referral workload compared to fiscal year 2005-2006, consistent with the objectives of the Environmental Process Modernization Plan
Partners and stakeholders aware and supportive of fish habitat management objectives Number of national Operational Statements19 developed and approved
  • Developed and approved five national Operational Statements for a cumulative total of eighteen
Use of Operational Statements for low-risk activities by proponents, industry associations, and provinces
  • Operational Statements were used approximately 1,400 times to address a range of low-risk activities across Canada
Degree to which Operational Statements have been incorporated into industry best management practices; co-ordinated with provincial permitting systems
  • Implemented agreements with three provinces (PEI, NB, NS) for applying Operational Statements to provincial guidelines and codes of practice
  • Continued discussions with provinces and territories to develop an agreement on a co-ordinated delivery system for Operational Statements wherever possible
  • Implemented partnership agreements with the Canadian Electricity Association and the Natural Resources Industry Association (NRIA), consisting of seven major industry associations, to incorporate Operational Statements into industry best management practices

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-65.png Operational statements - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/modernizing-moderniser/epmp-pmpe/index_e.asp

Agreement with major conservation non-governmental organizations - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2007/hq-ac10a_e.htm

Partnering agreements - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/aboutus-apropos/partners-partenaires/index_e.asp?#Partnering


DFO on the Job

Forestry Sector Enthusiastic about DFO Regulatory Streamlining

Launched in 2004, the Environmental Process Modernization Plan (EPMP) is designed to renew the Habitat Management Program of DFO by improving regulatory efficiency and providing for better conservation and protection of fish and their habitat. The Plan is making a difference— here is one company's successful story.

The Weyerhaeuser Company is one of Canada's largest forest products companies with a major presence in Alberta and several other provinces, including British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. In 2000, Weyerhaeuser began submitting applications to DFO for all water crossings in Alberta regardless of size (approximately 300 per year). This was — in large part — a result of DFO's renewed focus on the protection of fish habitat in the inland provinces at that time, and an increased workload in the forest industry for project information to support regulatory reviews under the Fisheries Act. It wasn't long before the volume of paperwork bogged down the planning and approval process for both DFO and the company. Approvals for these routine, low-risk activities were taking months.

A steel stringer, wood deck bridge provides access for forest harvesting, without disturbing the stream channel. Photo: Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada.A steel stringer, wood deck bridge provides access for forest harvesting without disturbing the stream channel. Photo: Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada.

Streamlining the process through the use of Operational Statements offered a solution. Operational Statements provide nationally consistent advice on measures to apply to specific activities determined to be of low risk in terms of harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish and fish habitat. When a proponent follows the conditions and measures outlined in the Operational Statement, there is no need for a review or referral from DFO.

"The Operational Statements not only serve industry better, but their use frees up some of our resources so that we can increase the review and monitoring of higher risk activities," explains Patrice LeBlanc, Director of Habitat Protection and Sustainable Development.

Habitat Management has developed 18 Operational Statements, available at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/index_e.asp.

As part of the National Resource Industry Associations-DFO partnership initiative (established under the EPMP), Weyerhaeuser worked with other forest product companies to further develop the Operational Statements for low-risk, industry-specific situations. For example, the requirements of relevant Operational Statements have been incorporated into Weyerhaeuser's Environmental Management System guidelines and work instructions. Pat Wearmouth, a Strategic Forester with the company, is enthusiastic.

"I have to say this initiative has been a very positive experience. I give DFO full marks for saying they were going to do this, and then following through."

He estimates savings of about 300 hours annually for Weyerhaeuser.

The Weyerhaeuser story is only one of many that highlight how EPMP is increasing our collective ability to protect fish and fish habitat more efficiently and effectively.

Program Sub-activity: Environmental Assessment

This program involves conducting environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and other environmental assessment regimes for proposed projects before making a regulatory decision under the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act (listed in the Law List Regulations).


Plans

  • Participate with other federal government departments to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Environmental Assessment (EA) process
  • Implement the aspect of EPMP dealing with improved management of environmental assessment for major projects
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Environmental effects considered in a timely, co-ordinated, and effective manner before regulatory decisions are made under the Fisheries Act Number of Environmental Assessment screenings, Comprehensive Studies, Panels initiated, ongoing, or concluded
  • Number of Environmental Assessments (EAs) where the Habitat Management Program has a Canadian Environmental Assessment Act trigger:
  • Screenings: 364 initiated, 401 ongoing, and 305 concluded
  • Comprehensive Studies: 6 initiated, 14 ongoing, and 2 concluded
  • Panels: 3 initiated, 12 ongoing, and 1 concluded
  • This is a 15% reduction from 2005-2006, which continues the downward trend20
Number of projects requiring CEAA review that incorporate Habitat Management Program requirements and advice
  • Managed approximately 300 Environmental Assessment Screening projects requiring CEAA review; no Environmental Assessment Comprehensive Studies were undertaken
Number of Environmental Assessments for major projects that are co-ordinated with provinces and other federal responsible authorities
  • 140 major projects across Canada under review; of those, 60% were in either the Pacific or Central and Arctic Region21

Program Sub-activity: Other Habitat Management

This program involves developing and implementing the Mandatory Training Program; information management applications; public awareness and education; performance measurement; and reporting and evaluation plans, and tools. This program also involves developing and implementing policies, programs, plans, and tools for the effective and efficient application of the Species at Risk Act and Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Expert Support Program (under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan), in support of the Conservation and Protection of Fish Habitat and Environmental Assessment program activities.


Plans

  • Implement the aspect of EPMP that focuses on improving the predictability and coherence of decision-making
Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Awareness of habitat management concepts, objectives, principles, and practices by Habitat Management Program staff Percentage of staff who have completed individual training under the Mandatory Training Program
  • Approximately 90% of Habitat staff successfully completed the Habitat Management -101 course; this is a 50% increase over the previous year
  • 20 % of staff completed the Information Management (IM) -101 course; the IM-101 completion rate was lower than expected because of a delay in the roll-out of the course until early 2007
  • Approximately 90% of all Habitat Practitioners have completed a training course focused on the Risk Management Framework and Pathways of Effects

Program Activity: Science

This program provides research, monitoring, advice, products and services, and data management to ensure departmental and federal policies, programs, decisions, and regulations associated with the integrated management of Canada's oceans and fish habitat resources are informed by science advice. The science is undertaken through a network of research facilities, in collaboration with other government departments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations.

Science in support of healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems has one priority — Science Renewal (reported under Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture) — and is delivered through three program sub-activities: assessing the impacts of development on aquatic ecosystems; assessing aquatic ecosystems and supporting integrated oceans management; and monitoring, understanding and predicting variation and change of ocean climate.


Financial and Human Resources, Science, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending1 Total Authorities Actual Spending
Assessing the impacts of development on aquatic ecosystems 18.8 20.8 17.2
Assessing aquatic ecosystems and supporting integrated oceans management 31.3 33.9 44.4
Monitoring, understanding and predicting variation and change of ocean climate 3.4 4.0 6.8
Sub-total 53.5 58.7 68.4
Program Enablers 24.6 25.2 19.7
Total 78.1 83.9 88.2
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Assessing the impacts of development on aquatic ecosystems   152  
Assessing aquatic ecosystems and supporting integrated oceans management   244  
Monitoring, understanding and predicting variation and change of ocean climate   56  
Sub-total 493 452 -41
Program Enablers 84 81 -3
Total 577 533 -44

Note: Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 Planned spending does not match that in the 2006-2007 RPP, as there was an addition error in the RPP.


Expected Results - Science Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Science information used to support the integrated management of healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems for the benefit and enjoyment of Canadians Scientific production by Fisheries and Oceans as measured by the percentage of DFO publications compared to Canadian totals in the subfields of marine biology and hydrobiology and oceanography and limnology
  • For results, see page 54
Canadians' confidence in DFO Science to conduct scientific research to monitor and promote the health of fish stocks and the marine environment
  • For results, see page 54
Level of partnering in scientific research
  • Results not available for 2006-2007
Number of responses to requests for science advice
  • In 2005, approximately 44 publications were produced through the DFO Science Advisory process co-ordinated by the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat in response to advisory needs identified from internal and external DFO clients in support of healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems22

Under the umbrella of healthy and productive aquatic environments, the Science Program continued to provide advice on a diverse range of marine initiatives and priorities in direct support of the Department and Government of Canada. These initiatives include Offshore Energy Development, Environmental Process Modernization Plan (EPMP), Canada's Oceans Action Plan, and important horizontal initiatives such as Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation, the International Fisheries and Oceans Governance Strategy, Improving Access to Pest Management Products, and International Polar Year. These initiatives were all supported by sound science advice to help inform associated policies, programs, and regulations.

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-67.png http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/main_e.htm

Program Sub-activity: Assessing the Impacts of Development on Aquatic Ecosystems

Activities such as oil and gas exploration, development and production, forestry, mining, hydroelectric power generation, and agriculture, which operate in or around marine and freshwater aquatic environments, have the potential to impact fish and fish habitat. Long-range transport and point-source introductions of contaminants and toxic substances also pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and their resources. The Science program provides scientific advice on the potential impacts, mitigation measures, risks, and regulations in support of the habitat management authorities identified in the Fisheries Act, the Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat, Species at Risk Act, Oceans Act, Navigable Waters Protection Act, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.


Plans

  • Provide advice on the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project to support decisions related to the environmental impact assessment, regulation (Fisheries Act), and monitoring; this will include delineating critical fish habitat in rivers and lakes draining into the Mackenzie River and undertaking a study of sensitive fish species
  • Delineate and map the habitats of the coastal Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta, assess beluga whale habitat requirements in the eastern Beaufort Sea, and study the impacts of oil and gas exploration on ringed and bearded seals
  • In support of the Environmental Process Modernization Plan (EPMP), conduct a peer review of advice on the evidence linking the effects of human activities on fish habitat; also provide advice on the scientific foundation for the application of risk-management principles to the management of fish habitat
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased use of scientific advice and supporting information related to the impacts of industrial activities on the aquatic environment
  • Provided scientific information and advice on critical fish habitats in support of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Mackenzie Gas Project
  • Completed a final report of the effects of exploratory drilling on seals in the near-shore Beaufort Sea; deferred the assessment of beluga whale habitat because of insufficient external funding support
Increased science-based mitigation measures for human and industrial activities
  • Conducted a peer review to examine the evidence linking changes in river flow and fish habitat in support of the Environmental Process Modernization priority
  • Delivered a discussion paper to Habitat Management, outlining the scientific basis for applying risk management models to the management of natural resources, particularly fish habitat

Program Sub-activity: Assessing Aquatic Ecosystems and Supporting Integrated Oceans Management

Multiple and sometimes conflicting use of oceans necessitates that the integrated management of resources be informed by sound science advice. The Science program provides advice, information, and data management services to support the government's integrated management of aquatic ecosystems, such as the delineation of Marine Protected Areas through ocean mapping, preparation of ecosystem overview and status reports on Large Ocean Management Areas, and frameworks of ecological and biologically significant ocean areas.


Plans

  • Provide advice to support knowledge requirements associated with the Oceans Action Plan (OAP); this will involve developing Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports and identifying Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas for each of the five Large Ocean Management Areas
Expected Results Results Achieved
Increased use of Science advice (e.g., data and modelling) by decision-makers in the integrated management of Canada's oceans
  • Developed guidelines for identifying Conservation Priorities and phrasing Conservation Objectives
  • Identified draft Conservation Objectives for each Large Ocean Management Area
  • Identified and mapped Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas in each Large Ocean Management Area
  • Developed criteria for identifying ecologically significant species and community properties
  • Identified ecologically significant species and community properties for each Large Ocean Management Area
  • Completed Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Reports for each Large Ocean Management Area

Guidelines for Identifying Conservation Priorities and phrasing Conservation Objectives - Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-68.png http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/status/2007/SAR-AS2007_010_E.pdf

Criteria for identifying ecologically significant species and community priorities - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/status/2006/SAR-AS2006_041_E.pdf


Program Sub-activity: Monitoring, Understanding and Predicting Variation and Change of Ocean Climate

Interactions among the oceans, ice, and atmosphere are a fundamental part of the earth's global climate system. As a nation that borders on three interconnected oceans, Canada, together with the international community, has a vested interest in understanding the role of oceans in global climate and the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. Science efforts are directed towards enabling prediction of ocean responses to climatic change, and the assessment of potential impacts on marine environments, ecosystems, fish, and marine mammal populations.


Plans

  • Deliver a co-ordinated program for providing the data needed for oceans ecosystem assessments
  • Conduct research to understand the effects of climate change and climate variation on aquatic ecosystems
  • Apply operational models to the prediction of variation in ocean climate
  • Participate in International Polar Year with the objective of building on and supporting the Department's and the Government of Canada's knowledge requirements associated with climate change impacts and adaptation
Expected Results Results Achieved
Decision-makers make increased use of forecast impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems
  • Continued to participate in a number of key long-term data collection programs, including the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program, Argo profiling floats, Line P, and partnerships such as ArcticNet for northern marine observations; the data and information collected is essential for tests of the accuracy of measurements, for process studies, and in the analysis of climatic variations in regional aquatic ecosystems
Policy-makers make increased use of knowledge of oceans' influence on climate and climate change
  • Contributed to a number of climate research programs such as the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study, the Surface-Ocean Lower-Atmosphere Study, and the Enhancement of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program
  • Continued predictive modelling of oceanographic variables such as sea level, currents, and ice concentration and thickness in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
  • Leading seven International Polar Year projects and engaged in others to better understand the Arctic Ocean's role in global climate and the impact of climate variability and change on Arctic marine ecosystems

DFO On the Job

Discovering New Marine Species

Imagine a coral colony with its fantastic shapes in pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds — all those hot tropical colours gently riffling in the current. Some of the corals tower to three metres, and they have been there for hundreds of years. You can see shrimp and fish drifting in and around the colony. But wait! If you're picturing these corals in a warm sunlit turquoise sea, you are completely mistaken. These particular colonies are living in the frigid dark, a kilometre below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean off Canada's East Coast.

Sea corn (Primnoa resedaeformis; to left and centre) and the thicker-stalked bubblegum coral (Paragorgia arborea) colonize a telegraphy cable laid down in the 1870s. These corals were found in the Coral Conservation Area in the Northeast Channel at a depth of about 300 metres.
Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-69.png

For the past five years, a Fisheries and Oceans Canada team from the Centre for Marine Biodiversity, located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, has been on an exciting voyage of discovery to locate and learn about these deep-water coral colonies. Their existence was known — just barely — as early as the 1870s because of the Challenger Expedition, the world's first global oceanographic research expedition. During the course of its work, expedition members dredged a few buckets of samples from depths of two to three thousand metres off Nova Scotia. The coral specimens retrieved were damaged by the primitive method of collection. Now, well over a hundred years later, scientists are able to study the colonies in situ using sophisticated marine technology. The research gained a huge impetus this year when the team obtained the use of a remotely operated underwater vehicle called ROPOS, which is equipped with cameras and can take tiny samples without damaging the coral colony.

The research is part of the Centre's overall program to look at non-commercial species and understand their role in the ecosystem. Corals are especially important, as they create a habitat that is used by many other species. They provide a place of refuge from ocean currents and larger predators, a feeding ground, and, in some cases, a nursery. Protecting these habitats off our East Coast is of critical concern now, what with increased interest in the deeper ocean regions by both the fishing and oil and gas industries. Corals, which are particularly vulnerable to any physical disturbance, are, in fact, the focus of conservation and management efforts around the world. Lead scientist Ellen Kenchington explains that even though "we're in an early exploratory stage for the deep-water corals," her team's work has already led to the establishment of two Coral Conservation Zones.

Sea corn (Primnoa resedaeformis; to left) and differently coloured colonies
of bubblegum coral (Paragorgia arborea; to right) colonize a boulder
900 metres below the surface in the Northeast Channel.
Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-70.png

Even at this early stage, the team has identified eight species believed to be new to Canada and five other species new to the study area. Underscoring the need to refine the geographic distribution of the coral colonies is the fact that most of the new coral discoveries came from outside the existing Coral Conservation Zone. The team also discovered dense stands of bubblegum coral and sea corn at depths of between six and nine hundred metres in the Conservation Zone.

Apart from their role as habitat builders, these corals have intriguing possibilities for the pharmaceuticals of the future. For example, some of the new cancer drugs have come from marine molluscs, and deep-water creatures such as these corals have unique attributes that are well worth exploring.

The deep-water coral researchers are pushing forward with their work. In 2007, they hope to be able to use ROPOS to carry out work in other areas with known coral colonies: in The Gully, which is Canada's largest Marine Protected Area and home to the endangered bottlenose whale, and in the Stone Fence Coral Conservation Zone in the Laurentian Channel.

For more information, visit the Centre of Marine Biodiversity's web site at: http://www.marinebiodiversity.ca



Supplementary Information

In this section:

Overview

This section presents:

  • A trend analysis of recent departmental spending;
  • Financial tables; and
  • Information on other reporting requirements.

Trend Analysis

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-73.emfThe Department's total actual spending for the 2006-2007 fiscal year was $1,648.9 million. This represents an increase of 10% from 2005-2006.

Financial Tables

The financial tables presented in this section provide the following information on the Department:

  • Total Main Estimates as reported in the 2006-2007 Estimates;
  • Total planned spending as reported in the 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities;
  • Total authorities received during the fiscal year (i.e., through Main Estimates), as well as funding received from Supplementary Estimates, Treasury Board Vote 5 (Government-wide contingencies), and Treasury Board Vote 10 (Government-wide initiatives); and
  • Total actual spending as reported in the Public Accounts of Canada for 2006-2007.

Please note that the figures in the following tables have been rounded to the nearest million. For this reason, figures that cannot be listed in millions of dollars are shown as 0. Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

Comparison of Planned to Actual Spending by Program Activity (including FTEs)

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-74.jpg

Table 1 below provides a breakdown of the Department's Main Estimates, planned spending at the time of tabling the Report on Plans and Priorities, final Total Authorities, and final Actual Spending by program activity.

Table 1: Comparison of Planned to Actual Spending (millions of dollars)


Program Activity 2004-2005 Actual 2005-2006 Actual 2006-2007
    Main Estimates Planned Spending1 Total Authorities Total Actuals
Safe and Accessible Waterways
Canadian Coast Guard 609.6 611.3 607.1 677.7 678.4 652.0
Small Craft Harbours 114.9 118.3 101.1 113.2 116.9 117.5
Science 50.4 48.1 44.0 46.7 50.6 65.4
Total - Safe and Accessible Waterways 774.9 777.7 752.2 837.7 845.9 835.0
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fisheries Management 358.9 364.8 397.3 443.2 473.8 424.5
Aquaculture 1.4 5.1 3.4 3.5 3.6 5.7
Science 185.6 184.6 198.8 209.6 218.3 200.7
Total - Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture 545.9 554.5 599.5 656.2 695.7 630.9
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems
Oceans Management 18.8 21.7 32.7 33.1 37.1 24.4
Habitat Management 71.6 69.2 63.8 70.7 74.6 70.5
Science 61.5 71.4 65.2 78.1 83.9 88.2
Total - Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems 151.9 162.3 161.7 181.8 195.5 183.0
Total 1,472.6 1,494.5 1,513.4 1,675.8 1,737.2 1,648.9
Less: Non-respendable Revenue (62.7) (66.3) (51.9) (51.9) (51.9) (60.1)
Total Departmental Spending 1,409.9 1,428.2 1,461.5 1,623.9 1,685.3 1,588.8
 
Full-time Equivalents 9,900 10,281 N/A 10,444 N/A 10,382

Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1Planned spending for Science does not match that in the 2006-2007 RPP because of an addition error.

Changes between Main Estimates and Planned Spending

The increase of $162.4 million from Main Estimates to Planned Spending is attributable to the following:

  • $99.0 million for the transformation plan funding supporting core programs;
  • $30.0 million in Grants and Contributions funding for the Atlantic Salmon Endowment Fund;
  • $24.0 million for Canadian Coast Guard capital expenditures; and
  • $9.4 million for other initiatives.
Changes between Planned Spending and Total Authorities

The increase of $61.4 million from Planned Spending to the Total Authorities of $1,737.2 million is mainly attributable to the following:

  • $54.0 million for planned operating carried forward from 2005-2006;
  • $12.8 million for increased salary expenditures related to approved collective agreements; and
  • ($5.4 million) in various spending offsets.
Changes between Actual Spending and Total Authorities

The decrease of $88.3 million from the Total Authorities to Actual Spending is mainly attributable to the following:

  • $48.1 million in operating carried forward to 2007-2008;
  • $22.9 million in capital carried forward to 2007-2008;
  • $15.1 million in Grants and Contributions funding for the Fisheries Access Program that could not be spent in 2006-2007; and
  • $2.2 million in various funding offsets.

Underutilization of FTEs can be explained by the following:

  • Turnover;
  • Difficulty in finding qualified replacements because of low labour market availability for jobs being staffed; and
  • Delays in the staffing and classification process.

DFO has been closely monitoring its use of FTEs, which has resulted in a more effective utilization of FTEs.

Resource Use by Program Activity

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-75.emfTable 2 below presents Main Estimates, Planned Spending, Total Authorities, and Actual Spending by program activity and by vote.

Note that operating expenditures include the following statutory items: Minister's salary and motor car allowance, contributions to employee benefit plans, spending of proceeds from the disposal of surplus Crown assets, and refunds of amounts credited to revenues in previous years.

The operating expenditures presented are inclusive of respendable revenue, meaning that respendable revenue has not been deducted from the amount shown. The revenues are deducted separately to provide the net expenditures for each program activity. See Table 6 for a complete description of respendable revenues.

Table 2: Resource Use by Program Activity, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)


Program Activity Operating Capital Grants Contributions and Other Transfer Payments Total Gross Expenditures Less: Respendable Revenues Total Net Expenditures
Canadian Coast Guard
Main Estimates 535.2 117.0 4.9 657.2 50.1 607.1
Planned Spending 565.9 157.0 4.9 727.8 50.1 677.7
Total Authorities 583.8 139.7 5.0 728.4 50.1 678.4
Actual 564.1 124.7 5.0 693.8 41.8 652.0
Small Craft Harbours
Main Estimates 78.0 22.5 0.5 101.1   101.1
Planned Spending 78.5 34.2 0.5 113.2   113.2
Total Authorities 80.6 35.6 0.6 0.1 116.9   116.9
Actual 78.5 38.3 0.6 0.1 117.5   117.5
Science (Safe and Accessible Waterways)
Main Estimates 42.3 1.6 0.0 0.0 44.0   44.0
Planned Spending 44.5 2.2 0.0 0.0 46.7   46.7
Total Authorities 48.3 2.2 0.1 0.1 50.6   50.6
Actual 63.1 2.2 0.1 0.1 65.4   65.4
Fisheries Management
Main Estimates 288.1 3.6 0.0 105.6 397.3   397.3
Planned Spending 300.7 6.9 30.0 105.6 443.2   443.2
Total Authorities 319.2 6.9 30.5 117.3 473.8   473.8
Actual 285.4 6.1 30.5 102.5 424.5   424.5
Aquaculture
Main Estimates 3.4 0.0 3.4   3.4
Planned Spending 3.4 0.0 3.5   3.5
Total Authorities 3.6 0.0 0.0 3.6   3.6
Actual 5.7 0.0 0.0 5.7   5.7
Science (Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture)
Main Estimates 185.4 13.2 0.1 0.1 198.8   198.8
Planned Spending1 189.4 20.0 0.1 0.1 209.6   209.6
Total Authorities 197.9 20.0 0.0 0.4 218.3   218.3
Actual 188.8 11.6 0.0 0.4 200.7   200.7
Oceans Management
Main Estimates 31.8 0.3 0.6 32.7   32.7
Planned Spending 32.0 0.5 0.6 33.1   33.1
Total Authorities 35.3 0.5 0.2 1.1 37.1   37.1
Actual 23.2 0.3 0.2 0.7 24.4   24.4
Habitat Management
Main Estimates 63.2 0.6 63.8   63.8
Planned Spending 69.9 0.8 70.7   70.7
Total Authorities 72.6 0.8 0.2 1.0 74.6   74.6
Actual 69.2 0.5 0.1 0.7 70.5   70.5
Science (Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems)
Main Estimates 56.0 9.2 0.0 65.2   65.2
Planned Spending1 65.5 12.6 0.0 78.1   78.1
Total Authorities 71.2 12.6 0.0 0.1 83.9   83.9
Actual 76.6 11.5 0.0 0.1 88.2   88.2
Total Main Estimates 1,283.4 168.1 0.7 111.2 1,563.4 50.1 1,513.4
Total Planned Spending 1,349.9 234.1 30.7 111.2 1,725.9 50.1 1,675.8
Total Authorities 1,412.5 218.2 31.5 125.1 1,787.3 50.1 1,737.2
Total Actual 1,354.4 195.2 31.5 109.6 1,690.7 41.8 1,648.9
Other Revenues and Expenditures
Minus: Non-Respendable Revenue
Planned Spending (51.9)
Total Authorities (51.9)
Actual (60.1)

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 Planned spending for Science does not match that in the 2006-2007 RPP because of an addition error.

Changes between Main Estimates and Planned Spending

The increase of $162.4 million from the Main Estimates to Planned Spending by vote is as follows:

Operating Vote 1 (Increase of $66.4 million)
  • $57.0 million for the transformational plan
  • $10.9 million for the Information Management/Information Technology consolidation
  • $5.0 million for the Garden City divestiture
  • $1.5 million in other spending initiatives
  • ($8.0 million) in procurement savings
Capital Vote 5 (Increase of $66.0 million)
  • $42.0 million for the transformational plan
  • $24.0 million for the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Renewal
Grants and Contributions Vote 10 (Increase of $30.0 million)
  • $30.0 million for the Atlantic Salmon Endowment Fund
Changes between Planned Spending and Total Authorities

The increase of $61.4 million from Planned Spending to Total Authorities by vote is as follows:

Operating Vote 1 (Increase of $62.6 million)
  • $54.0 million for planned operating carried forward from 2005-2006
  • $12.8 million for increased salary expenditures related to approved collective agreements
  • ($4.2 million) in other reductions
Capital Vote 5 (Decrease of $15.9 million)
  • $17.2 million for the CCG fleet renewal carried forward to future years, partially offset by the Conne River Harbour transfer from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for $1.4 million
Grants and Contributions Vote 10 (Increase of $14.7 million)
  • $10.1 million for Marshall Response Initiative carry-forward
  • $0.6 million for the Oceans Action Plan Phase I
  • $0.1 million for the Interdepartmental Partnership with Canadian Heritage
  • $3.9 million for the Fraser Basin Initiative, Academic Research, Small Craft Harbours, and Class Grants
Changes between Actual Spending and Total Authorities

The decrease of $88.3 million between Total Authorities and Actual Spending by vote is as follows:

Operating Vote 1 (Decrease of $49.8 million)
  • $48.1 million carried forward to 2007-2008
  • $1.7 million in various spending offsets
Capital Vote 5 (Decrease of $23.0 million)
  • $17.0 million carried forward to future years for the Saint Andrews Biological Station and Mid-shore Patrol Vessels
  • $5.9 million in other carry-forwards
Grants and Contributions Vote 10 (Decrease of $15.5 million)
  • $13.3 million expected to be carried forward for the Marshall Initiative Response
  • $0.8 million carried forward for the At-Sea Mentoring Initiative
  • $0.6 million carried forward for the Oceans Action Plan
  • $0.5 million for the Pacific Salmon Foundation
  • $0.2 million for the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program

Voted and Statutory Items

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Table 3 below summarizes the resources that Parliament approves for the Department through appropriation acts. A vote specifies the amount devoted to each category of expenditures. For Fisheries and Oceans Canada, these votes are for Operating expenditures (Vote 1), Capital expenditures (Vote 5), and Grants and Contributions (Vote 10). The items identified with an S are authorities that Parliament has approved through other legislation that sets out both the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made. Statutory spending is included in the Estimates for information only and does not require a separate appropriation act.

Table 3: Voted and Statutory Items, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)


Vote Main Estimates Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual
1 Operating 1,111.0 1,177.5 1,245.0 1,196.5
5 Capital 168.1 234.1 218.2 195.2
10 Grants and Contributions 111.9 141.9 156.6 141.1
(S) Minister of Fisheries and Oceans - Salary and motor car allowance 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
(S) Contributions to employee benefit plans 122.3 122.3 114.7 114.7
(S) Spending of proceeds from the disposal of surplus Crown assets 2.6 1.3
  Total 1,513.4 1,675.8 1,737.2 1,648.9

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

Services Received without Charge

Table 4 shows the net cost of the Department for 2006-2007.

Table 4: Services Received without Charge, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)


($ millions) 2006-2007 Actual Spending
Accommodation provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada 42.3
Contributions covering employers' share of employees' insurance premiums and expenditures paid by Treasury Board Secretariat (excluding revolving funds) 54.2
Worker's compensation coverage provided by Social Development Canada 1.3
Salary and associated expenditures of legal services provided by Justice Canada 3.1
Total 2006-2007 Services received without charge 101.0

Table 5: Sources of Respendable and Non-respendable Revenue

Table 5 provides the Department's actual revenues by program activity for 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, as well as planned revenues and total authorities for 2006-2007.

Table 5: Respendable and Non-respendable Revenue by Program Activity, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)

Program Activity Actual Revenues 2004-2005 Actual Revenues 2005-2006 Main Estimates 2006-2007 Planned Revenues 2006-2007 Total Authorities 2006-2007 Actual Revenues 2006-2007
Respendable Revenue
Canadian Coast Guard
Maintenance Dredging Services Tonnage Fees in the St. Lawrence Shipping Channel 4.6 4.3 4.6 4.6 4.6 5.2
Marine Navigation Services Fees 28.4 32.1 27.8 27.8 27.8 29.5
Coast Guard Radio Tolls 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0
Employee Deductions for Employee Housing 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Icebreaking Services Fee 4.8 5.8 13.8 13.8 13.8 5.0
Canadian Coast Guard College 1.8 0.5 3.7 3.7 3.7 1.6
Sundries 0.7 0.4 0.5
Total Respendable Revenue 40.4 43.2 50.1 50.1 50.1 41.8
Non-respendable Revenue1
Canadian Coast Guard
Aids to Navigation in the Deep Water Channel between Montreal and Lake Erie 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Rental of Land, Buildings and Equipment 0.2 0.2 0.2
Miscellaneous 0.1 0.0
  0.1 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.2
Small Craft Harbours
Small Craft Harbour Revenue 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.5
 
Science - Safe and Accessible Waterways
Sale of Charts and Publications 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.9
Technology Transfer Licences 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7
  2.7 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.5
Fisheries Management
Commercial Licences 45.2 47.2 47.2 47.2 44.8
Rental of Land, Buildings and Equipment 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1
  45.4 47.4 47.4 47.4 44.9
Science - Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Technology Transfer Licences 0.1 0.1
 
Habitat Management
Rental of Land, Buildings and Equipment 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1
 
Science - Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems
Technology Transfer Licences 0.1 0.1 0.1
 
Sub-total Non-Respendable Revenue 49.9 51.9 51.9 51.9 49.4
Unplanned Revenue
Internal Revenues 0.6       0.8
Return on Investments 0.1       0.1
Refunds/Adjustments of Previous Year's Expenditures 3.1       5.0
Sale of Surplus Crown Assets 0.9       2.0
Sale of Garden City 5.0      
Miscellaneous (Seizures and Forfeitures, Fines and Sundries) 6.6       2.7
Sub-total Unplanned Revenue 16.4       10.7
Total Non-Respendable Revenue 66.3 51.9 51.9 51.9 60.1
Total Revenues 109.6 102.0 102.0 102.0 101.9

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 Because of the change in reporting structure, comparative data is unavailable. Please see the 2004-2005 Departmental Performance Report for historical information.

Changes between Planned Revenues and Actual Revenues

Actual respendable revenue collections of $41.8 million have fallen below the planned respendable revenue collection amount of $50.1 million, leaving a shortfall of $8.3 million. The overall collections have decreased from 2005-2006 when they were $43.2 million, but are ahead of 2004-2005 collections of $40.4 million. As was the case in 2005-2006, the shortfall of $8.8 million is primarily due to the Icebreaking Service Fees, but is offset by surpluses in other respendable revenue areas. The planned revenues for the Icebreaking Services Fees are based on a fee structure that has been only partially implemented, which causes the yearly shortfall.

Non-respendable revenues also experienced a shortfall in actual collections relative to planned collections in the amount of $2.5 million. The deficit in collections is primarily due to commercial licences fees reported under Fisheries Management.

Resource Use by Branch or Sector

Table 6 below presents planned and actual spending by program activity and organization.

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Table 6: Resource Use by Program Activity and Organization, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)


  CCG Small Craft Harbours Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Oceans and Habitat Management Science Program Enablers Total
Safe and Accessible Waterways
Canadian Coast Guard
Planned Spending 565.5 112.2 677.7
Actual Spending 547.5 104.5 652.0
Small Craft Harbours
Planned Spending 95.6 17.6 113.2
Actual Spending 101.2 16.3 117.5
Science
Planned Spending1 35.5 11.2 46.7
Actual Spending 55.2 10.2 65.4
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fisheries Management
Planned Spending 379.5 63.7 443.2
Actual Spending 364.0     60.5 424.5
Aquaculture
Planned Spending 2.7 0.8 3.5
Actual Spending 4.9     0.8 5.7
Science
Planned Spending1 152.9 56.7 209.6
Actual Spending 151.8 48.9 200.7
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems
Oceans Management
Planned Spending 26.0 7.1 33.1
Actual Spending 17.7 6.7 24.4
Habitat Management
Planned Spending 56.6 14.1 70.7
Actual Spending 57.0 13.5 70.5
Science
Planned Spending1 53.5 24.6 78.1
Actual Spending 68.4 19.7 88.2
Total Planned Spending 565.5 95.6 382.2 82.6 241.8 308.1 1,675.8
Total Actual Spending 547.5 101.2 369.0 74.7 275.5 281.1 1,648.9

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

1 Planned spending for Science does not match that in the 2006-2007 RPP because of an addition error.

Details on Project Spending

The Department's project approval authority is:

  • $2 million for new Information Technology projects;
  • $5 million for replacement Information Technology projects; and
  • $20 million for all other projects.

DFO has ten projects that exceed delegated project approval levels. Of these, seven are in direct support of the Canadian Coast Guard, two are for national information technology projects, and one is to construct a new laboratory in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

Supplementary information on project spending can be found at  http://www/tbs-sct/gc/ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Status Report on Major Crown Projects

Major Crown Projects have cost estimates that exceed $100 million and are assessed as high risk by the Treasury Board. The Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels project is DFO's only Major Crown Project.

Supplementary information on Major Crown Projects can be found at http://www/tbs-sct/gc/ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Details on Transfer Payment Programs

The following transfer payment programs, in excess of $5 million, were managed during 2006-2007:

  • Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management Program;
  • Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy; and
  • Fisheries Access Program.

Further information on these Transfer Payment Programs can be found at http://www/tbs-sct/gc/ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Conditional Grants (Foundations)

Conditional grants are transfer payments specifically approved by Parliament and made available to an organization at the beginning of a multi-year period, in the form of a lump sum, to cover expenses over a number of years. Fisheries and Oceans funded two foundations: The Atlantic Salmon Endowment Fund in 2006 and the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund in 2001.

Further information on these Transfer Payment Programs can be found at http://www/tbs-sct/gc/ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Information on Other Reporting Requirements

External Fee and User Fee Reporting

DFO reports annually on its external charging activities in response to the requirements under the User Fees Act (Table 9-A) and under the Treasury Board (TB) Policy on Service Standards for External Fees (Table 9-B).

DFO also collects external charging revenues through contractual arrangements that fall under the purview of separate federal governance instruments. The revenue information associated with these revenue arrangements continue to be reported in Table 5.

Table 7 User Fees Act

On March 31, 2004, Parliament gave legal effect to the User Fees Act with the aim of strengthening the elements of accountability, oversight, and transparency in the management of user fee activities. The User Fees Act requires departments to annually submit to Parliament a list of all user fees in effect, irrespective of when the fees were established.

The table below lists DFO's user fees for which revenues were collected during the fiscal year 2006-2007. To promote accountability and transparency, the Department has also included additional description and revenue information on its user fees.

Since the establishment of the User Fees Act, DFO has not introduced any new user fees, nor has the Department increased any existing user fees.

Table 7: User Fees (thousands of dollars)


User Fee Fee Type* Fee Setting Authority Date Last Modified 2006-2007 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
Maintenance Dredging Services Tonnage Fee1
  • Intended to recover from commercial vessels the total direct costs incurred by CCG to manage maintenance dredging services in the St. Lawrence Shipping Channel. Services provided consist of the management of the maintenance dredging program for the St. Lawrence Shipping Channel.
O Section 47 of the Oceans Act 2003 4,600 5,180 5,180

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600
Marine Navigation Services Fee
  • Intended to recover a portion of the full costs incurred by CCG to provide marine navigation services to commercial vessels. Services provided include short-range aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
O Section 47 of the Oceans Act 2005 27,817 29,478 191,584

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

27,817

27,817

27,817

191,584

191,584

191,584
Marine Communications and Traffic Services/Coast Guard Radio Communications Charges
  • Rates charged for person-to-person communications by radio-telephone or radio-telegram from ship to shore or from shore to ship.
O Section 19 of the Financial Administration Act 1994 75 22 2

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

100

100

100
2
Icebreaking Services Fee
  • Intended to recover a portion of the full costs incurred by CCG to provide icebreaking services to commercial vessels. Services provided include route assistance (channel maintenance and ship escorts), ice routing and information services, and some harbour/wharf breakouts where not provided by commercial operators.
O Section 47 of the Oceans Act 1998 13,824 5,011 87,325

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

13,824

13,824

13,824

87,325

87,325

87,325
Hydrography
  • Sale of charts and publications
O Financial Administration Act,

Oceans Act

1996 1,900 1,853 31,700

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

1,800

1,800

1,800

31,700

31,700

31,700
Fisheries Management
  • Commercial fishing licence fees
R&P Sections 7 and 8 of the Fisheries Act 1995 35,383 >38,191 3

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

35,006

34,806

34,806
3
Fisheries Management
  • Recreational fishing licence fees
R&P Sections 7 and 8 of the Fisheries Act 1996 5,124 5,252 3

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

5,135

5,135

5,135

3
Fisheries Management
  • Pacific Salmon Conservation Stamp
R&P

O

Sections 7 and 8 of the Fisheries Act 1995 >1,449 >1,369 15,000

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

1,431

1,431

1,431

15,000

15,000

15,000
Access to Information
  • Fees charged for the processing of Access requests filed under the Access to Information Act
O Access to Information Act 1992 12.5 24.0 1,798.44

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

12.5

13.6

14.8

2,569

2,802

3,036
Sub-totals R&P

O

   

40,507.0

49,677.5

43,443

42,937

0

333,217

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

89,725.5

89,526.6

89,527.8
 
Total       90,184.5 86,380 333,217   268,779.9

332,778

333,011

333,245

Note: Performance standards under the User Fees Act must be established as part of a user fee proposal process, with specific provisions outlining how the standards are to be established. Given that DFO has not introduced new user fees, nor introduced amendments to existing ones that would require a user fee proposal under the Act, the columns describing Performance Standards and Performance Results have been removed from the table. Information on DFO's service standards for current fees can be found in Table 7-B.

*DFO collects fees for the conferring of Rights & Privileges (R&P) and for Other Goods and Services (O).

1Since 1997, and at the request of industry, the Canadian Coast Guard has managed the maintenance dredging of the navigation channel of the St. Lawrence River between the Port of Montreal and the Île aux Coudres near Quebec City. The current fee schedule, which replaces the earlier fee schedule that expired on March 31, 2003, extends the arrangement whereby the Canadian Coast Guard is reimbursed, via fees, for the total direct costs it incurs to ensure commercial navigation. Full cost figures are based on total direct costs (rather than full costs), which include direct labour costs (including employee benefits), direct operating costs, direct material costs, program support costs, and capital acquisitions (to the extent that these capital acquisitions form part of an output).

2 The full cost of the communications infrastructure associated with non-safety related, cost-recovered public correspondence services is $1,116,000. This communications infrastructure also supports various safety-related and non-cost-recovered communications services and, as such, these costs are integrated. CCG has structured its public correspondence services charges so that revenues do not exceed the incremental cost of providing these non-safety-related services.

3 Access fees that reflect the value of the privilege/benefit of access to a valuable natural resource owned by all Canadians and not the cost of fisheries management.

4 This figure includes amounts for salaries and Operating and Maintenance for the Access to Information and Privacy Secretariat only.

Table 7-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees

On November 29, 2004, Treasury Board Ministers approved the Policy on Service Standards for External Fees. The Policy requires departments to report on the status of service standards for all external fees charged on a non-contractual basis. DFO has established service standards for the following external fees:

  • Maintenance Dredging Services Tonnage Fee;
  • Marine Navigation Services Fee;
  • Icebreaking Services Fee;
  • Marine Communications and Traffic Services — Canadian Coast Guard Radio Communications Charges;
  • Hydrography — Sale of charts and publications; and
  • Fees charged for processing of access requests under the Access to Information Act.

Supplementary information on Service Standards for External Fees can be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Progress against the Department's Regulatory Plan

There are a number of statutory instruments that make up the legislative framework of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. These include major legislative instruments administered by the Department, including the Fisheries Act and the Oceans Act, minor legislative instruments including the Fishing and Recreational Harbours Act, and other legislative instruments partially administered by the Department, including the Species at Risk Act. Ongoing regulatory initiatives under these statutes are essential to ensure that new legislation can be implemented in a manner that allows the Department to fulfil its objectives and mandates.

Supplementary information on the Progress against the Department's Regulatory Plan can be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Response to Parliamentary Committees, Audits, and Evaluations

Presented below are summaries of the Department's responses to Parliamentary Committee reports and recommendations made by the Auditor General. Links to internal audits and internal evaluations completed in 2006-2007 are also presented.

Table 8: Responses to Parliamentary Committees, 2006-2007


Report Link to Report
and Government Response
Reports Tabled by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans during 2006-2007
First Report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on Northern Cod: A Failure of Canadian Fisheries Management

 

The first Report was tabled in the House of Commons on May 17, 2006. The Committee studied the northern cod, including the events leading to the collapse of the fishery and the failure of the stock to re-establish itself since the moratorium. The Committee notes in the Report: "...As stated by the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) in its 1997 report, the fishery crisis cannot be related to a single cause or blamed on a single group: it is the failure of our whole fisheries system. In part, as a result of the failure of our whole fisheries system, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans agreed on 8 February 2005 to undertake a study of the northern cod including the events leading to the collapse of the fishery and the failure of the stock to re-establish itself since the moratorium. Although no formal terms of reference have been adopted for this study, the text of the motion agreed upon specifies a focus on the causes for the collapse of the cod fishery and for the lack of recovery of the stock. The socio-economic impacts of the collapse of the fishery and the ensuing moratorium were excluded from the study. The Committee travelled to Newfoundland and Labrador where it met in Bonavista on 27 September, in Port Blandford on 28 September, and then for two additional days in St. John's on 29 and 30 September 2005."

Report: http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?COM=10480&Lang=1&SourceId=143099

 

Government Response: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/reports/cod-morue/cod-morue_e.htm

Fourth Report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on Ensuring a Sustainable and Humane Seal Harvest

 

The Committee adopted a motion on June 8, 2006, to study the subject of the Canadian seal harvest. Following many hearings on this, the Committee tabled its fourth report on April 30, 2007. The Committee travelled to Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Nova Scotia in November 2006 to meet with sealers and community leaders. The Committee made a second trip to Newfoundland and Labrador in April 2007 to observe the seal harvest aboard the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, the Amundsen. In its study, the Committee met, among others, with officials of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, members of the European Parliament, and representatives of Inuit organizations. The Report focuses on four aspects of the seal harvest: sustainability; humaneness; economic, social, and cultural importance; and its role in the ecological balance within the marine ecosystem. There are 18 recommendations in the report, and these are centred on increasing education and public awareness of the harvest, especially internationally; making changes to the Marine Mammals Regulations; and observation of the seal harvest.

Report: http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?COM=10480&Lang=1&SourceId=206172


Government Response:

Not yet posted

Report Tabled by the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans during 2006-2007
Second Report: Interim Report: The Atlantic Snow Crab Fishery

 

The Committee focused its attention on a broad range of subjects, including a limited study on the Atlantic snow crab fishery in June 2006. This study culminated with the tabling of this report on June 22, 2006. The Committee noted in a June 23, 2006, press release on the subject that "after rapid growth in the last two decades, the crab fishery now stands second only to lobster in landed value, and has become the prime support of many fishing communities. But this year, market and other factors plunged much of the fishery into crisis." The report identifies the difficulties to be on two fronts. First, the report identifies market and economic factors over which it states the fishery has no control ("soaring fuel costs {said to have more than tripled since 2002}, high bait costs, plummeting crab prices, competing supplies from Alaska in the United States market, and especially changes in the value of the Canadian dollar, which is at its highest level in almost three decades"). Second, it identifies that "in some crab fishing areas (CFAs), quotas were reduced in response to falling catch levels," and indicates that it "heard that socio-economic consequences were only beginning to be felt, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador where out-migration from rural areas was said to be taking place."

Report: http://www.parl.gc.ca/39/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/fish-e/rep-e/repintjun06-e.htm

 

Government Response: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/reports/atl_crab-crabe/crab-crabe_e.htm

Sixth Report: The Management Of Atlantic Fish Stocks: Beyond The 200-Mile Limit

 

The Committee began a study into fisheries beyond the 200-mile limit in October of 2006. The Committee's study culminated with the tabling of this report on February 20, 2007. The report delves into a number of different areas, including the issue of bottom trawling in unregulated areas of the high seas, the possibility of prohibiting bottom trawling by foreign fishing fleets on Canada's continental shelf, the regulations and penalties applicable to Canadian fishermen vis-à-vis foreign fishing fleets on Canada's continental shelf, various provisions in the proposed amendments to the NAFO Convention text, and the level of Canada's surveillance and enforcement activity in the NAFO Regulatory Area (NRA).

Report: http://www.parl.gc.ca/39/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/fish-e/rep-e/rep06feb07-e.htm

 

Government Response:

Not yet posted


Table 9: Responses to the Auditor General, 2006-2007


Recommendation Raised Link to Chapter and Response
2007 Report - Chapter 1 - Use of Acquisition and Travel Cards
Chapter 1 - 1.31 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, and National Defence should formalize training for regional and departmental coordinators and quality assurance personnel to ensure that information about all issues related to acquisition and travel card management within a department is understood by those personnel, and that the information is disseminated to program managers. (1.26-1.30) 2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada - May - Chapter 1 - Appendix-List of recommendations
Chapter 1 - 1.48 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, and National Defence should ensure that, on a timely basis, all acquisition card transactions are properly verified and certified, according to section 34 of the Financial Administration Act and as stated in the Treasury Board Policy on Account Verification. (1.32-1.47) 2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada - May - Chapter 1 - Appendix-List of recommendations
Chapter 1 - 1.75 Departments should make better use of best practices, such as data mining, quality assurance, restricted use, and central billing in managing and monitoring their acquisition card transactions and outstanding travel card balances. (1.68-1.74) 2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada - May - Chapter 1 - Appendix-List of recommendations
2007 Report - Chapter 4 - Managing the Coast Guard Fleet and Marine Navigational Services
Chapter 4 - 4.89 The Coast Guard should establish priorities for improvement, set clear achievable goals for those priority areas, allocate sufficient, appropriate resources, and plan and implement the changes by holding managers and organizational units accountable for results.
(4.17-4.88)
2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada - Status Report - Chapter 4 - Appendix-List of recommendations

Internal Audits Completed in 2006-2007

Internal Audit Link to Report
Audit of Management Control Framework Supporting Statistical Information on Fisheries http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/CREAD/audits/06-07/6b012_e.htm
Audit of Contracting http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/cread/audits/06-07/60252_e.htm
Follow-Up Audit of Travel and Hospitality http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/cread/audits/06-07/6b034_e.htm
Small Craft Harbours Divestiture Grants Program Evaluation and Audit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/CREAD/evaluations/05-06/6B013_e.htm
Audit, Evaluation and Integrated Risk Management: Lessons Learned http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/CREAD/audits/06-07/LessonLearnedDeck_e.htm
Contribution Agreement with the CCGA http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/cread/audits/06-07/6b-42_e.htm

Evaluations Completed in 2006-2007

Evaluations Link to Report
Evaluation of the Program for Sustainable Aquaculture http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/cread/evaluations/06-07/65143_e.htm
Small Craft Harbours Divestiture Grants Program Evaluation and Audit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/CREAD/evaluations/05-06/6B013_e.htm
Formative Evaluation of Federal Species at Risk Programs http://www.ec.gc.ca/ae-ve/default.asp?lang=en&n=53869FF3-1
Evaluation of the DFO 2001-2003 Sustainable Development Strategy - Project 2004-60254 http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/CREAD/evaluations/06-07/60254_e.htm
Maritime Security Initiatives Will not be posted as this is a Secret document
Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/English/pdf/plansandreports/evaluation_bpcinitiative_e.pdf
Summative Evaluation of the Contribution to the Coast Guard Auxiliary http://review-examen.ncr.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/evaluations/index_e.asp
Conservation and Protection Line Reporting Pilot Project in the Pacific Region http://review-examen.ncr.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/evaluations/index_e.asp

Sustainable Development Strategy

As a department committed to sustainable development, DFO works to protect and conserve Canada's aquatic resources, while supporting the development and use of these resources. The Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) is an important tool to help the Department achieve its strategic outcomes and to ensure that DFO, like all federal departments and agencies, takes environmental, economic, and social considerations into account in its decision-making.

During the current reporting period, the Department saw the conclusion of the 2005-2006 SDS and introduced the 2007-2009 SDS. An update of results achieved under the 2005-2006 Strategy is reported in the new SDS.

A crosswalk of progress on specific 2005-2006 SDS commitments listed in DFO's 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities is presented in the following table. Detailed information can be found in the Progress Report Table of DFO's 2007-2009 Sustainable Development Strategy (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sds-sdd/2007-2009/progress_e.htm).


RPP Commitment SDS Goal SDS Output Progress
Protection and recovery strategies for aquatic species at risk A 1.4 Partially met
Ecosystem Overview Reports A 2.1 Partially met
Marine Protected Areas A 2.2 Met
Addressing climate change A 3.1 Met
Integrated oceans management plans B 1.1 Partially met
International fisheries and governance B 2.1 Partially met
Increased capacity and better management of Aboriginal fisheries B 3.1-3.4 Met
Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers initiatives B 4.1 Partially met
Marine aids modernization project C 1.1 Partially met
Environment Management Systems C 1.2-1.4 Met
Small Craft Harbours compliance with environmental regulations and standards C 1.6 Met
Environmental Management Plans at essential harbours C 1.7 Partially met

In December 2006, DFO's 2007-2009 Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sds-sdd/2007-2009/index_e.htm) was tabled in Parliament. Extensive internal and external consultations were conducted during the preparation of the 2007-2009 SDS that helped guide the development of achievable targets and the identification of concrete measures.

Procurement and Contracting

DFO is a highly decentralized, operational department with a presence in over 300 communities. Procurement and contracting are important functions in support of departmental operations.

Supplementary information on Procurement and Contracting can be found at
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Service Improvement Initiative

High-quality service promotes citizen confidence in government, produces high levels of client satisfaction, demonstrates value for money to taxpayers, and contributes to the achievement of public policy goals. Achieving high-quality service requires a client-centred approach — designing services around client needs and continuously evolving services in response to client feedback. This is accomplished, in part, by periodically measuring client satisfaction and acting on the findings. Service standards are also essential to ensuring high-quality service. Service standards tell clients what to expect and represent the government's commitment to a level of performance.

Further information on these service improvement initiatives can be found at
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr3/06-07/index_e.asp.

Horizontal Initiatives

Horizontal initiatives are programs or initiatives in which partners from two or more organizations have agreed under a formal funding agreement to work towards the achievement of shared outcomes. DFO is a partner on the following five horizontal initiatives led by other federal government departments:

  • Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products (Pest Management Regulatory Agency — Health Canada);
  • Canadian Biotechnology Strategy (Industry Canada);
  • Federal Contaminated Sites Accelerated Action Plan (Environment Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat);
  • Implementation of the Act Respecting the Protection of Wildlife Species at Risk in Canada (Environment Canada); and
  • Marine Security (Transport Canada).

Further information on these horizontal initiatives can be found at
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/eppi-ibdrp/hrdb-rhbd/profil_e.asp.

Travel policies

Fisheries and Oceans Canada follows and uses the Treasury Board Secretariat's travel policy parameters.



Other Items of Interest

In this section:

Organizational Information

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is a largely decentralized department with almost 9 of every 10 employees situated in regions outside the National Capital Region. The Department operates across Canada from six regional offices, as well as from the national headquarters in Ottawa. The regions are displayed as follows.

DFO regions

 

Each of the six regions is headed by a Regional Director General (RDG) in a regional headquarters. The RDGs are responsible for organizing and managing the delivery of programs and activities in their regions through area offices, in accordance with national and regional priorities and within national performance parameters set for each program and activity.

The senior management at national headquarters in Ottawa — under the leadership of the Deputy Minister, Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard and five Assistant Deputy Ministers — is responsible for establishing national objectives, policies, procedures, and standards. It also runs some national programs and monitors departmental activities nationwide to ensure the quality and consistency of service delivery.

The Canadian Coast Guard is a special operating agency within DFO under the leadership of the Commissioner and organized into five regions headed by Assistant Commissioners.

The rest of the Department is organized into five sectors, each headed by an Assistant Deputy Minister. Assistant Deputy Ministers are responsible for establishing national objectives, policies, procedures, and standards for their respective sectors and program activities.

The Deputy Minister, Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and Regional Directors General work closely together in managing the Department and its operations.

Regional Directors General and Assistant Deputy Ministers report directly to the Deputy Minister.

This organizational and governance information is shown in the accompanying figure.

Organizational and Governance Information

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-79.jpg

The Departmental Management Committee (DMC) is supported by the following senior management committees: Policy Integration Committee, Finance Sub-Committee, Human Resource Sub-Committee, Legal Risk Management Committee, Departmental Internal Audit Committee, Information Management Board, and the Science Management Board.

Management Accountability Framework

The Management Accountability Framework (MAF) is a framework for sound management in the public service. Good departmental management crosses sectors, the Agency, regions, and Program Enablers. Management performance is measured by the ten elements of the MAF. Each element has one or more separate indicators, which measure specific parts of the element. Each year, Treasury Board Portfolio assesses departmental performance against the ten elements. The results highlight good performance and identify departmental management priorities for the upcoming year.

Treasury Board Portfolio identified the following improvements in internal departmental management in the 2006 (Round IV) Management Accountability Framework assessment:

  • Governance and Strategic Directions (Utility of the corporate performance framework measure) rose from Opportunity for Improvement to Strong.
  • Stewardship (Effectiveness of information technology management measure) rose from Opportunity for Improvement to Strong.
  • Citizen-Focussed Services rose from Acceptable to Strong.

The Department made some progress against its management priorities, based on the 2005 MAF assessment:

  • Met the commitment to appropriately resource the evaluation function. Rating from Opportunity for Improvement to Acceptable.
  • Made some improvement in the representation of women and visible minorities, particularly in the EX category. The rating for employment equity rose from Attention Required to Opportunity for Improvement.

MAF Indicator 2006 Results 2005 Results
Public service values. Through their actions, departmental leaders continually reinforce the importance of public service values and ethics in the delivery of results to Canadians Acceptable Strong
Governance and Strategic Directions. Internal coherence, corporate discipline, and alignment to outcomes are in place for providing effective strategic direction, support to the minister and Parliament, and the delivery of results Acceptable Acceptable
Policy and Programs. Departmental research and analytic capacity is sustained to assure high quality policy options, program design and advice to ministers Acceptable Improvement
Results and Performance. Relevant information on results (internal, service and program) is gathered and used to make departmental decisions, and public reporting is balanced, transparent, and easy to understand Improvement Improvement
Learning, Innovation and Change Management. The Department manages through continuous innovation and transformation, promotes organizational learning, values corporate knowledge, and learns from its performance Acceptable Not rated
Risk Management. The executive team clearly defines the corporate context and practices for managing organizational and strategic risks proactively Improvement Acceptable
People. The Department has the people, work environment, and focus on building capacity and leadership to assure its success and a confident future for the Public Service of Canada Acceptable Acceptable
Stewardship. The departmental control regime (assets, money, people, services, etc.) is integrated and effective, and its underlying principles are clear to all staff Improvement Improvement
Citizen-Focused Service. Services are citizen-centred, policies are developed from the "outside in", and partnerships are encouraged and effectively managed Strong Improvement
Accountability. Accountabilities for results are clearly assigned and consistent with resources, and delegations are appropriate to capabilities Not rated Not rated

Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-80.pngMAF Assessments -http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/maf-crg/assessments-evaluations/assessments-evaluations_e.asp#r5


Program Enablers

Program Enablers are the corporate functions that support the delivery of DFO's plans and priorities. In DFO, the enablers represent approximately 17% of total employees. Their work is ongoing and multi-faceted: from paying bills, to preparing news releases, to analyzing policy issues. They work together with the programs described in Section 2 to deliver departmental and government priorities and initiatives.

The financial and human resources listed below have been attributed across the three strategic outcomes and program activities discussed in Section 2.

The Program Enablers have six sub-activities: executive direction; strategic policy; communications; legal services; human resources; and corporate services.


Financial and Human Resources, Program Enablers, 2006-2007
Financial Resources (millions of dollars) Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
Executive Direction 24.4 24.7 29.1
Strategic Policy 23.2 23.9 22.9
Communications 9.4 9.6 11.6
Legal Services 5.4 5.3 3.2
Human Resources 25.3 24.1 28.2
Corporate Services1 220.3 226.2 186.1
Total 308.1 313.7 281.1
Human Resources (number of FTEs) Planned Actual Difference
Executive Direction   211  
Strategic Policy   205  
Communications   93  
Legal Services   20  
Human Resources   316  
Corporate Services   878  
Total 1,784 1,723 -612

Note: Because of rounding, figures may not add to the totals shown.

Planned FTEs by sub-activity are not available for 2006-2007.

1 Corporate Services includes Finance and Administration, Information Management, Information Technology, and Real Property, Safety and Security. Information Technology and Real Property both have significant major and minor capital resources.

2 Underutilization of FTEs is the result of turnover, difficulty in finding qualified replacements because of poor labour market availability for jobs being staffed; and delays in the staffing and classification process.

Program Sub-activity: Executive Direction

This sub-activity Includes the offices of the Deputy Minister, Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Regional Directors General, Area Managers, and the Executive Secretariat including Access to Information and Privacy. It also includes the Audit and Evaluation Directorate, which has responsibility, on behalf of the Deputy Minister, for the provision of internal audit, evaluation, and integrated risk management; and the Values, Integrity and Conflict Resolution Secretariat, responsible for building awareness of, and strengthening compliance with, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service and for ensuring that DFO employees are aware of and use the internal process for disclosing allegations of wrongdoing.


Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Improved management practices, policies, and internal control systems in DFO through the audits, evaluations, and follow-up audits carried out according to the Annual Audit and Evaluation Workplan Percentage of audits, evaluations, and follow-up audits in the annual workplan that are completed or started
  • 92% of audits in the annual workplan completed or started
  • 88% of evaluations (15 of 17) in the annual workplan completed or started; 3 of the 17 were postponed to 2007-2008, one was advanced from 2007-2008, and a new one started in 2006-2007
Percentage of recommendations approved or implemented, totally or partially
  • 72% of audit and review recommendations were totally or partially approved or implemented
  • 75% of the evaluation recommendations from the years 2003-2004 to the end of the fiscal year 2005-2006 completed; 7 evaluations completed in 2006-2007
Improved organizational objectives in DFO achieved through the implementation of Integrated Risk Management in departmental decision making Number of sectors that have implemented risk-based planning for their activities
  • Thirteen Risk Profiles completed in the sectors and program areas, with two more near completion; with this, DFO will have total coverage in all areas of the PAA; many Program Enablers have also completed a Risk Profile
Departmental Management Committee (DMC)-approved governance model for future implementation
  • DMC approved a model governance structure, with Regional Co-ordinators in every region; all co-ordinators have been appointed
  • DMC approved Sectoral Risk Profiling based on the Program Activity Architecture

Program Sub-activity: Strategic Policy

This sub-activity supports the Department's mandate and advances its policy priorities through integrating the policy agenda within DFO and establishing linkages with the broader Government of Canada agenda; setting the strategic direction for the Department; conducting economic research and analysis and compiling statistics in areas of relevance to departmental and government decision-makers; and analyzing horizontal policy issues and developing policy frameworks.


Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Senior management, including the Deputy Minister and Minister, properly prepared to make departmental policy decisions and representations Senior management satisfied that the policy decision-making process is strategic and properly informed from a whole-of-department perspective
  • Introduced the Policy Integration Committee as a forum for developing policy initiatives for senior management consideration
  • Continued co-ordination of DMC meetings has ensured that senior management is prepared to make departmental policy decisions
Enhanced capacity within DFO to conduct complex economic research and analysis Number of highly skilled economists and quantitative analysts recruited
  • The number of FTEs within the Economic Analysis and Statistics branch increased from 13 to 22
Increased information and analytical base upon which decisions are made on departmental programs and policies (evidence-based policy making) Number of economic and statistical analyses prepared to support the development and assessment of existing and new programs and policies
  • Prepared 12 economic research reports to support key policy and program decisions within the Department and to serve as a basis for further economic research in priority areas
Increased credibility with respect to the Department's policies, program, and approaches to natural resource management Number of requests to provide economic advice and analysis or to use DFO as a valuable source of economic information and analytical expertise
  • Demand for economic and statistical analyses continued to increase from both internal and external clients and the public; in 2006-2007, received approximately 1,300 requests for economic and statistical information and advice
  • Participation in fisheries economic and statistical fora has increased to present the Department's work to other interested government, academic, and industry organizations
Effective Canadian participation in international meetings Canadian positions promoted and adopted internationally
  • Tabled National Plans of Action on Seabirds and Sharks at a meeting at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • Led development of guidance for implementing the ecosystem approach to oceans management within the UN Informal Consultative Process for Oceans and the Law of the Sea
Enhanced capacity within DFO for legislative and regulatory initiatives Number of requests for new legislative and regulatory initiatives and their implementation as Smart Regulations
  • Started review of the DFO regulatory process
  • Incorporated the Triage Framework into all regulatory amendments
  • Continued to streamline and simplify regulations (e.g., Ontario Fishery Regulations, 1989)

Program Sub-activity: Communications

Communications works with program and policy leads across DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard to explain the priorities and directions of the Department to Canadians, meeting their information needs according to the requirements of the Government of Canada Communications Policy.


Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved23
Increased transparency with media and citizens Total number of media interactions (proactive and responsive)
  • 4,905 media interactions, a slight increase over 2005-2006
  Balance of tone in media coverage
  • Predominantly neutral and positive tone in media coverage:
  • Positive 31.9%
  • Neutral 48.6%
  • Negative 19.3%
  • Represents a 12% improvement from 2005-2006
  • 126 news releases and 53 media advisories
  Total General Inquiries requests and response rates per established service standards
  • General Inquiries received 22,149 information requests on DFO issues; of the total number of General Inquiries calls that reached the service during open hours, 87% were answered within 18 seconds
  • A slight decrease in calls from 2005-2006 (24,310 inquiries)
Informed and engaged managers and employees in DFO Number of internal Communications activities
  • 6 editions of the national employee newsletter
  • 51 editions of the weekly internal news bulletin
  • 30 Deputy Minister messages to employees
  • 1 DM newsletter

Program Sub-activity: Legal Services

Legal Services enables DFO's sectors and regions to pursue policy, program, and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework. The services include the provision of policy and program advice; direction in the development and drafting of the legal content of bills, regulations, and guidelines; assistance in the identification, mitigation, and management of legal risks; legal support in ensuring compliance and enforcement of standards, regulations, and guidelines; and represention of the Crown's interests in litigation.


Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Legal risk anticipated and mitigated Number of legal risk (litigation) and high-impact case committee meetings
  • Five Legal Risk Management Committee meetings
  • Thirteen High Impact Litigation Committee meetings
Programs, reports, and materials that enhance legal awareness Number of legal awareness products delivered
  • Twenty-two In the Loop Legal Tips were written
  • Seven training sessions provided to CCG College, Small Craft Harbours, Fishery Officers, and Habitat Management
  • One Legal Risk Management retreat

Program Sub-activity: Human Resources

Human Resources provides effective and timely human resources services and advice to managers, employees, and unions and, working with those stakeholders, leads the transition to Human Resource Modernization.


Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Continued implementation of Human Resource Modernization and effective delivery of human resource advice and services in DFO, in line with the People Component of the Management Accountability Framework Number of positions using national model work descriptions (NMWD)
  • 35% of DFO's positions are mapped to a NMWD and sector/CCG plans are in place to achieve 80% by the end of 2007-2008
Number of managers trained to exercise their delegated responsibilities
  • 686 of 726 managers responsible for a salary budget hold full delegations
Number of Human Resource Advisors validated by the Public Service Commission
  • 39 of 47 Human Resource Advisors validated
Effectiveness of regional/sector Human Resource (HR) plans
  • Beginning to see the positive effects of HR plans through the use of National Model Work Descriptions, collective staffing, fewer long-term acting positions, and learning plans
Assessment of compliance or movement toward compliance with the 12 statutory requirements of the Employment Equity Act
  • The Canadian Human Rights Commission assessed DFO as compliant
  • Continued implementing the 2004-2007 Employment Equity Management Action Plan
Increase in the number of employees who meet the language requirements of their position, and reduced official language complaints
  • 1,978 (92.5%) of 2,138 bilingual positions encumbered with employees who met the linguistic requirements; this represents an increase of 1.5% from 2005-2006
  • The number of official languages complaints deemed founded (4) in 2006-2007 is consistent with the previous year24
Increase in the number of employees who have a learning plan
  • 2006-2007 is the first year where this is being tracked; approximately 65% of employees were offered the opportunity to develop learning plans; however, not all employees took advantage of the opportunity
Establishment of a career and succession management program for the EX group
  • DMC agreed that career and succession plans for all EXs (includes EX positions considered key to organization effectiveness) would linked with 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 performance discussions
Departmental support for development programs such as the Management Trainee Program (MTP) and the Career Assignment Program (CAP)
  • Amalgamated the CAP and MTP Programs into the Professional Leadership Development category
  • DFO launched a CAP national recruitment campaign to fill 4 positions by Fall 2007
Number of union/management meetings
  • Management and union representatives convened 136 meetings across DFO locations
Continued use of both formal and informal recognition mechanisms
  • Achieved an increase in the number of employees recognized and a decrease in the cost of the program

Program Sub-activity: Corporate Services

Corporate Services provides the following services: Finance and Administration, which develops, maintains, and implements integrated systems, policies, procedures, and services for the effective acquisition and stewardship of financial and material resources; Real Property, Safety and Security, which focuses on managing the Department's real property assets, providing accommodation and specialized facilities to program personnel, divesting properties surplus to program requirements, ensuring environmental stewardship, and providing safety and security services for departmental assets and personnel; and Information Management and Technology Services, which provides functional direction on, and operational services related to, the management and use of information and technology in DFO.


Expected Results Performance Indicators Results Achieved
Effective stewardship of DFO Real Property custodial inventory Ratio of capital investment to asset replacement value
  • Divested 68 properties, which generated $321,648K in net proceeds from sale; details on the Small Craft Harbours divestitures can be found on page 34
Number of contaminated sites assessed, risk managed and cleaned up
  • 346 contaminated properties were assessed; 77 properties were risk managed or remediated; and 9 remediation projects were completed.25
Safe and healthy work environment for employees in DFO Number of safety hazards reported and addressed by management
  • Accidents and resultant losses include zero deaths, 344 disabling injuries, and 415 minor injuries; 7,792 days were lost
  • Achieved 18% compliance with the Canada Labour Code Part II for workplaces with Occupational Safety and Health committees on a minimum 12 inspections/year (57 locations with more than 20 employees)
  • 442 inspections completed at unstaffed sites such as communication towers resulted in 50% compliance
Efficient management of government information Number of Management of Government Information Policy Readiness Indicators met
  • Of the 17 Information Life Cycle Management Program indicators, 7 were met, 8 were partially met, and 2 were not met
Reliable, secure, and responsive information technology infrastructure Percentage availability of IT infrastructure during working hours
  • 99.2% availability achieved
Departmental finances managed according to government policies and regulations Percentage of Treasury Board decisions that are made without conditions
  • 70% of Treasury Board decisions made without conditions from April 2006 - March 2007; of 20 submissions sent to TBS, 14 were approved without conditions and 6 with conditions; this is on par with previous years
Departmental staff with the tools and information required to manage effectively Percentage of DFO staff that rate Finance and Administration tools and information as Excellent, Very Good, or Good
  • New tools developed over past year have received special recognition from Departmental Management Committee and Finance Committee

Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory - Image: Pix/DFO DPR 06-07 %28E%29 for HTML-81.png http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/fcsi-rscf/home-accueil.aspx?Language-EN&sid=wu730125842517

Management of Government Information Policy Compliance Readiness Indicators - http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/im-gi/implement/indicat/indicattb_e.asp


Awards and Recognition

Awards and Recognition Internal to DFO

  • One hundred and two recipients from across Canada received DFO's Prix d'Excellence for their exceptional contributions to achieving DFO objectives during 2006.
  • The Deputy Minister awarded five DM Commendations in 2006 to DFO employees in recognition of their significant acts of devotion to duty or bravery that contributed to the betterment and well-being of society.
  • Approximately 304 employees received Distinction Awards for their outstanding achievements and contributions in furthering the objectives of the Department or the public service.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard honoured 18 employees in 2006 with the Governor General's Canadian Coast Guard Exemplary Service Medal or a Bar to the Medal.
  • DFO honoured 6 employees in 2006 with the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal.
  • Over 700 DFO employees were recognized for their long service with the federal government: 205 for 15 years of service; 394 for 25 years of service; and 120 for 35 years of service.
  • More than 1,000 employees were recognized by their supervisor with an Immediate Award.

Awards and Recognition from Outside Organizations

First Officer Leslie Palmer - Governor General of Canada - Cross of Valour

On October 13, 2006, First Officer Palmer, with the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter (CCGC) Point Henry of the Pacific Region was presented with the Cross of Valour by the Governor General. First Officer Palmer received this award for his heroic courage and determination when, late at night on December 27, 2004, he braved a severe winter storm to rescue two fishermen stranded on the shores of the Greenville Channel, near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. First Officer Palmer has proudly become the 20th Canadian to be awarded this decoration of bravery.

John Butler - Association of Public Service Executives (APEX) - 2006 Partnership Award

John Butler, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard Newfoundland and Labrador Region, is the recipient of the Association of Public Service Executives (APEX) 2006 Partnership Award. This award is given annually to a member of the federal executive cadre who embraces partnerships with individuals or organizations to achieve public service objectives. John Butler devoted considerable time and energy to building innovative alliances to protect the marine environment, enhance inter-agency preparedness to deal with marine crises, and develop the Government's marine capacity.

Dr. David Higgs - Aquaculture Association of Canada - Research Award of Excellence

Dr. David Higgs is Head of the Fish Nutrition Program at the DFO and University of British Columbia Centre for Aquaculture and Environmental Research in the Pacific Region. Dr. Higgs works collaboratively with universities and/or industry in three main subject areas: improving hatchery operations, minimizing environmental effects of salmon farming, and fish nutrition. In November 2006, Dr. Higgs received the Research Award of Excellence from the Aquaculture Association of Canada for his research accomplishments and contributions to advancing our knowledge on fish nutrition.

Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) - American Society for Quality (ASQ) - Quality Recognition Award

In April 2006, the Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Business, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented this award to the CHS Newfoundland District Office in recognition of the successful implementation of a Quality Management System that meets the requirements of the ISO 9001: 2000 international quality management standard. ASQ Canada has been active in Newfoundland and Labrador since the early 1990s to advance learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange. This is the first presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador ISO 9000 Quality Recognition Awards.

DFO Pacific Region - Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) - 2006 Award

In October 2006, Mark Johnson, Community Advisor, Pacific Region, proudly accepted the award, on behalf of his DFO colleagues, from Mr. Grant Gardner, President, EECOM, for the Stream to Sea Education Program. The Canadian Network for EECOM chose the Stream to Sea as the recipient of its 2006 award for a government agency that has demonstrated an increase in public awareness about the environment.

Shelley MacAulay - Nova Scotia Federal Council - Public Service Volunteer Award

In June 2006, Shelley MacAulay from the Canadian Coast Guard College was awarded the Public Service Volunteer Award for her significant contribution to her community through the voluntary sector. She was recognized as an outstanding citizen who demonstrates the true spirit of the Canadian volunteer.

Ward George and Grant Ivey - Federal Council Awards

Messrs. George and Ivey from the Newfoundland and Labrador Region, Canadian Coast Guard, Maritime Search and Rescue, received this award for their roles as part of the Ocean Guardian II Project Team, which involved two marine exercises related to the current climate of international terrorism and transportation security and the search and rescue component of a disaster at sea involving the St. Pierre Fortune ferry.

Jerome Keen and David Haight - Great Lakes Fishery Commission - 2006 Vern Applegate Award

On June 6, 2006, Jerome Keen, from the Sea Lamprey Control Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, and David Haight, now retired from DFO, were presented the 2006 Vern Applegate Award by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for going above and beyond their regular positions and enhancing the profile of DFO's Sea Lamprey Control Program throughout the region.

Dr. Eddy Carmack - The Royal Canadian Geographical Society - Massey Medal

Dr. Eddy Carmack is a climate oceanographer with the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, British Columbia. The Massey Medal recognizes outstanding personal achievement in the exploration, development, or description of the geography of Canada. For his leading role in ocean science, Dr. Carmack has been awarded the 2007 Massey Medal for outstanding achievement in Canadian geography.

Dr. James Gower - Pan-Ocean Remote Sensing Conference (PORSEC) - 2006 Distinguished Science Award

Dr. James Gower is a researcher at DFO's Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, British Columbia. At the Pan-Ocean Remote Sensing Conference (PORSEC), held every two years, he was recognized for his outstanding work in the advancement of science in this field.

Dr. Simon J. Prinsenberg - Canadian Meteorological Oceanographic Society - Tully Medal in Oceanography

Dr. Simon Prisenberg, with the DFO Bedford Institute of Oceanography, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, was the recipient of the J.P. Tully Medal on Oceanography. He was recognized for his outstanding ability to conceive of new instruments required to perform unique measurements in harsh environments, which has led to breakthroughs in our understanding of both oceanic and glacial processes that influence the northern environment.

Dr. Michael Sinclair - Vice President of International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES)

Dr. Michael Sinclair, the Regional Director of Science in the Maritimes Region, located at the DFO Bedford Institute of Oceanography, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, was elected the inaugural Vice President of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). ICES is an organization that co-ordinates and promotes marine research in the North Atlantic and acts as a meeting point for a community of more than 1,600 marine scientists from 20 countries around the North Atlantic.

Contacts for Further Information


Region Name Telephone
Newfoundland and Labrador Jan Woodford (709) 772-7622
Maritimes Kathy Kieley (902) 426-3866
Gulf Terrance Boucher (506) 851-7757
Quebec Caroline Hilt (418) 648-7316
Central and Arctic Lawrence Swift (519) 383-1830
Pacific Terry Davis (604) 666-3855
Headquarters Anne Lamar (613) 990-0219



Annex 1 — Financial Statements

Financial Statements of

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

Year ended March 31, 2007

Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Management Responsibility for Financial Statements

Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2007, and all information contained in these statements rests with departmental management. These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector.

Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information in these financial statements. Some of the information in the financial statements is based on management's best estimates and judgment and gives due consideration to materiality. To fulfill its accounting and reporting responsibilities, management maintains a set of accounts that provides a centralized record of the DFO's financial transactions. Financial information submitted to the Public Accounts of Canada and included in the DFO's Departmental Performance Report is consistent with these financial statements.

Management maintains a system of financial management and internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are in accordance with the Financial Administration Act, are executed in accordance with prescribed regulations, within parliamentary authorities, and are properly recorded to maintain accountability for Government funds. Management also seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements by careful selection, training and development of qualified staff, by organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility, and by communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards and managerial authorities are understood throughout the DFO.

The financial statements of the DFO have not been audited.


Larry Murray, Deputy Minister
Ottawa, Canada
July 24, 2007

 

Cal Hegge

Assistant Deputy Minister,

Human Resources and Corporate Services


 

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)

Expenses (Note 4)


2007 2006
Safe and Accessible Waterways      
Canadian Coast Guard Agency 739,523   727,169
Small Craft Harbours 133,713   153,304
Science 71,764   54,043
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture      
Fisheries Management 462,471   393,092
Science 216,710   199,445
Aquaculture 6,199   5,376
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems      
Science 88,899   77,488
Habitat Management 79,214   75,996
Oceans Management 28,580   23,802
     
Total Expenses 1,827,073   1,709,715

Revenues (Note 5)


2007 2006
Safe and Accessible Waterways      
Canadian Coast Guard Agency 44,292   52,568
Science 2,801   2,803
Small Craft Harbours 1,950   2,058
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture      
Fisheries Management 47,713   48,475
Science 1,019   241
Aquaculture 43   1
Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems      
Habitat Management 785   316
Science 224   85
Oceans Management 161   33
     
Total Revenues 98,988   106,580


2007 2006
Net cost of operations   1,728,085   1,603,135

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)

Assets

Financial assets


2007

2006

(Restated)
Accounts receivable and advances (Note 6) 27,398   19,404
Total financial assets 27,398   19,404

Non-financial assets


2007

2006

(Restated)
Inventory (Note 7) 37,265   31,300
Tangible capital assets (Note 8) 2,303,811   2,325,093
Total non-financial assets 2,341,076   2,356,393
     
2,368,474   2,375,797

Liabilities


2007

2006

(Restated)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 243,655   194,105
Vacation pay and compensatory leave 69,130   60,375
Lease obligation for tangible capital assets (Note 9) 178   -
Environmental liabilities (Note 10a) 169,197   169,762
Contingent liabilities (Note 10b) 1,770   200
Deferred revenue (Note 11) 88   187
Other liabilities (Note 12) 17,613   12,868
Employee severance benefits (Note 13) 139,479   133,743
Total liabilities 641,110   571,240
     


2007

2006

(Restated)
Equity of Canada (Note 14) 1,727,364   1,804,557
     
  2,368,474   2,375,797

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)


2007

2006

(Restated)
       
Equity of Canada, beginning of year   1,804,557   1,923,117
       
Equity adjustment for inventory (Note 7)   -   (74,000)
       
Restated Equity of Canada, beginning of year   1,804,557   1,849,117
       
Net cost of operations   (1,728,085)   (1,603,135)
       
Current year appropriations used (Note 3)   1,648,947   1,494,520
       
Revenue not available for spending   (52,019)   (53,664)
       

Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund

(Note 3)
  (47,029)   17,884
     
Services provided without charge by other government departments (Note 15)   100,993   99,835
     
Equity of Canada, end of year 1,727,364   1,804,557

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)

 

Operating activities


    2007   2006
Net cost of operations 1,728,085   1,603,135

Non-cash items


    2007   2006
Amortization of tangible capital assets (Note 8) (172,948)   (170,254)
(Loss) gain on disposal of tangible capital assets (8,812)   2,508
Loss on write-offs and write-downs of tangible capital assets and inventory (20,543)   (12,499)
Services provided without charge by other government departments (100,993)   (99,835)
Other 8,202   606

Variations in Statement of Financial Position


    2007   2006
Increase/(decrease) in accounts receivable and advances 7,994   (6,253)
Increase/(decrease) in inventory 7,421   1,140
(Increase)/decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (49,550)   30,394
(Increase)/decrease in vacation pay and compensatory leave (8,755)   (5,372)
(Increase)/decrease in lease obligation for tangible capital assets (178)   197
(Increase)/decrease in environmental liabilities 565   (10,507)
(Increase)/decrease in contingent liabilities (1,570)   (200)
(Increase)/decrease in deferred revenue 99   77
(Increase)/decrease in other liabilities (4,745)   262
(Increase)/decrease in employee severance benefits (5,736)   (16,207)
Cash used by operating activities 1,378,536   1,317,192

Capital investment activities


    2007   2006
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets 173,528   150,795
Principal obligation of tangible capital lease (178)   -
Proceeds from the disposal of tangible capital assets (1,987)   (9,247)
       
Cash used by investing activities   171,363   141,548

Financing activities


    2007   2006
Net cash provided by Government of Canada 1,549,899   1,458,740

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

1. Authority and purpose

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) was established under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Act. The DFO reports to Parliament through the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

The mandate of the DFO, on behalf of the Government of Canada, is to be responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada's economic, social, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and fresh waters.

The DFO's guiding legislation includes the Oceans Act and the Fisheries Act. The DFO is also one of the three departments responsible for the Species at Risk Act.

The DFO's three strategic outcomes are delivered through nine program activities, which are described below.

Safe and Accessible Waterways

Canadian Coast Guard Agency: Provision of maritime services that contribute to the enhancement and maintenance of maritime safety and commerce, protection of the marine and freshwater environment, as well as oceans and fisheries resource management, security and other government maritime priorities via maritime expertise, Canada's civilian fleet, a broadly distributed shore infrastructure and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Small Craft Harbours: Operation and maintenance of a national system of harbours critical to Canada's commercial fishing industry.

Science: Provision of scientific research, monitoring, advice, products and services and data management in support of Safe and Accessible Waterways.

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Fisheries Management: Conservation of Canada's fisheries resources to assure sustainable resource utilization through close collaboration with resource users and stakeholders.

Aquaculture: Creation of the conditions for a vibrant and innovative aquaculture industry that is environmentally and socially responsible, economically viable and internationally competitive.

Science: Provision of scientific research, monitoring, advice, products and services and data management in support of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems

Oceans Management: Conservation and sustainable use of Canada's oceans, in collaboration with others, through integrated oceans management plans which include marine protected areas and marine environmental quality objectives.

Habitat Management: Protection and conservation of freshwater and marine fish habitat, in collaboration with others, through a balanced application of regulatory and non-regulatory activities, including reviewing development proposals, conducting environmental assessments and monitoring compliance and effectiveness.

Science: Provision of scientific research, monitoring, advice, products and services and data management in support of Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies, which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

(a) Parliamentary appropriations - The DFO is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary appropriations. Appropriations provided to the DFO do not parallel financial reporting according to Canadian generally accepted accounting principles since appropriations are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the statements of operations and the statement of financial position are not necessarily the same as those provided through appropriations from Parliament. Note 3 provides a high-level reconciliation between these bases of reporting.

(b) Net cash provided by government - All departments operate within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash receipts are deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by departments are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements including transactions between departments of the federal government.

(c) Change in net position in the CRF is the difference between the net cash provided by Government and appropriations used in a year, excluding the amount of non-respendable revenue recorded by the DFO. It results from timing differences between when a transaction affects appropriations and when it is processed through the CRF.

(d) Revenues

  • Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized in the accounts based on the services provided in the year.
  • Other revenues are accounted for in the period in which the underlying transaction or event occurred that gave rise to the revenues.
  • Revenues that have been received but not earned are recorded as deferred revenues; these include donations received for a specified purpose.

(e)Expenses

  • Grants are recognized in the year in which the conditions for payment are met. In the case of grants which do not form part of an existing program, the expense is recognized when the Government announces a decision to make a non-recurring transfer, provided the enabling legislation or authorization for payment receives parliamentary approval prior to the completion of the financial statements.
  • Contributions are recognized in the year in which the recipient has met the eligibility criteria or fulfilled the terms of a contractual transfer agreement.
  • Vacation pay and compensatory leave are expensed by the DFO in the year that the entitlement occurs.
  • Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans, administration costs and commissions paid to provincial workers' compensation boards and legal services are recorded as operating expenses at their estimated cost.

(f)Employee future benefits

  • Pension benefits: Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi-employer plan administered by the Government of Canada. The DFO's contributions to the Plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. Current legislation does not require the DFO to make contributions for any actuarial deficiencies of the Plan.
  • Severance benefits: Employees are entitled to severance benefits, as provided for under labour contracts or conditions of employment. These benefits are accrued as employees render the services necessary to earn them. The obligation relating to the benefits earned by employees is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.

(g) Accounts receivable and advances are stated at amounts expected to be ultimately realized; a provision is made for receivables where recovery is considered uncertain.

(h)Contingent liabilities - Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities that may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. To the extent that the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense recorded. If the likelihood is not determinable or an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, and the case is considered material, the contingency is disclosed in note 10b to these financial statements.

(i)Environmental liabilities - Environmental liabilities reflect the estimated costs related to the management and remediation of environmentally contaminated sites. Based on management's best estimates, a liability is accrued and an expense recorded when the contamination occurs or when the DFO becomes aware of the contamination and is obligated, or is likely to be obligated to incur such costs. If the likelihood of the DFO's obligation to incur these costs is not determinable, or if an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the costs are disclosed as contingent liabilities in note 10a to these financial statements.

(j)Inventories - Inventories consist of parts, material and supplies held for future program delivery. They are valued at cost. If they no longer have service potential, they are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

(k)Foreign currency transactions - Transactions involving foreign currencies are
translated into Canadian dollar equivalents using rates of exchange in effect
at the time of those transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using exchange rates in effect on March 31. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the statement of operations
.

(l)Tangible capital assets - All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. The DFO does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, aesthetic or historical value, assets located on Indian Reserves or museum collections.

Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:


Asset Class Amortization Period
Buildings 10-40 years
Work and infrastructure 5-75 years
Machinery and equipment 3-25 years
Informatics hardware 3-5 years
Informatics purchased and developed software 3 years
Arms and weapons for defense 5-10 years
Other equipment, including furniture 10 years
Ships and boats 5-25 years
Aircraft 15-25 years
Motor vehicles (non-military) 5-20 years
Other vehicles 10 years
Leasehold improvements - buildings *
Leasehold improvements - works and infrastructure *
Assets under capital leases **

* the lesser of the economic life of the improvement or the lease term

** over the period of expected use, i.e., the economic life or lease term

(m)Proceeds associated with the disposal of real property through Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) are not recorded in the DFO's financial statements. PWGSC is responsible for the accounting and reporting of these proceeds.

(n)Measurement uncertainty - The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with Treasury Board accounting policies, which are consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements. At the time of preparation of these statements, management believes the estimates and assumptions to be reasonable. The most significant items where estimates are used are the allowance for vacation pay and compensatory leave, allowance for bad debts, environmental liabilities, the useful life of tangible capital assets, contingent liabilities and employee severance benefits. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.

3. Parliamentary appropriations

The DFO receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary appropriations. Items recognized in the statement of operations and the statement of financial position in one year may be funded through parliamentary appropriations in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the DFO has different net results of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables.

3(a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year appropriations used


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Net cost of operations 1,728,085 1,603,135
Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting appropriations
Add (less):
Revenue not available for spending 52,019 53,664
Amortization of tangible capital assets (172,948) (170,254)
Vacation pay and compensatory leave (8,755) (5,372)
Employee severance benefits (5,736) (16,207)
(Loss) gain on disposal of tangible capital assets (8,812) 2,508
Loss on write-offs and write-downs of tangible capital assets and inventory (20,543)   (12,499)
Earmarked supplementary fish fines 173 41
Refunds of previous years expenses 5,849 3,702
Variation of inventory 7,421 1,140
Justice Canada fees (6,330) (6,024)
Donation expense (114) (102)
Contingent liabilities (1,570) (200)
Environmental liabilities 565 (10,507)
Lease obligation for tangible capital assets (178) 197
Services provided without charge by other government departments (100,993) (99,835)
Other 8,202 606
Total adjustments for items not affecting appropriations (251,750) (259,142)
Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting appropriations
Add (Less):
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets 173,528 150,795
Principal obligation of tangible capital lease (178) -
Other (738) (268)
Total adjustments for items affecting appropriations 172,612 150,527
Current year appropriations used 1,648,947 1,494,520

3(b) Appropriations provided and used


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Appropriations provided
Vote 1 - Operating expenditures 1,245,005 1,160,478
Vote 5 - Capital expenditures 218,174 175,293
Vote 10 - Grants and contributions 156,599 119,885
Statutory amounts 117,421 124,078
Loans and advances for the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation 50,000 30,000
Less:
Appropriations available for future years (51,283) (30,642)
Lapsed appropriations (86,969) (84,572)
Current year appropriations used 1,648,947 1,494,520

While the appropriations for loans and advances of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC) are included in note 3(b), the activities of the FFMC are not reported in these financial statements.

3(c). Reconciliation of net cash provided by Government to current year appropriations used


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Net cash provided by Government of Canada 1,549,899 1,458,740
Revenue not respendable by the DFO 52,019 53,664
Change in net position in the Consolidated Revenue Fund
Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable and advances (7,994) 6,253
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 49,550 (30,394)
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities 4,745 (262)
Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenue (99) (77)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets 1,987 9,247
Refund of previous years expenses 5,849 3,702
Donation expenses (114) (102)
Earmarked supplementary fish fines 173 41
Justice Canada fees (6,330) (6,024)
Other adjustments (738) (268)
47,029 (17,884)
Current year appropriations used 1,648,947 1,494,520

4. Expenses

The following table presents details of expenses by category.


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Operating and administration
Personnel and employee benefits 882,615 883,808
Professional and Special Services 227,512 207,741
Amortization 172,948 170,254
Repair and Maintenance 96,035 89,815
Utilities, Material and Supplies 92,246 83,006
Machinery and Equipment 59,777 49,715
Travel and Relocation 52,728 47,771
Rental 28,705 27,602
Loss on write-off and write-downs of tangible capital assets and inventory 20,543 12,499
Telecommunication 18,138 17,946
Damage and other claims against the Crown 17,330 572
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets 10,137 6,243
Information 5,481 5,361
Other expenses 1,797 26,058
Total operating and administration 1,685,992 1,628,391
Transfer payments
Non-profit organizations 102,000 74,157
Individuals 37,031 5,761
Other level of governments within Canada 1,205 1,021
Other countries and international organizations 745 225
Industry 100 160
Total transfer payments 141,081 81,324
Total expenses 1,827,073 1,709,715

5. Revenues

The following table presents details of revenues by category.


  2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Revenue
Sales of goods and services 90,882 93,676
Post capitalization - tangible capital assets 3,555 699
Other revenue 2,804 3,074
Gains on disposals of tangible capital assets 1,325 8,751
Revenue from earmarked supplementary fish fines 315   256
Return on investment - Haddock loan 107 124
Total revenues 98,988 106,580

6. Accounts receivable and advances

The following table presents details of accounts receivable and advances.


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Receivables
Receivables from external parties 34,416   34,595
Receivables from other federal government departments and agencies 18,452   9,662
Accrued interest on loans 1,449 1,342
Refunds of program expenses 146 147
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts on external receivables (27,325) (26,594)
Total receivables 27,138 19,152
Loans and advances
Accountable advances 260 252
Loans 1,471 1,471
Allowance on loans and advances (1,471) (1,471)
Total loans and advances 260 252
Total accounts receivable and advances 27,398 19,404

7. Restatement of prior period

The comparative financial statements of 2005-06 have been restated to decrease inventory and Equity of Canada by $74 million to correct an error. Inventory balances presented in the 2005-06 financial statements were overstated by $74 million. The overstatement was due to a misclassification that resulted in these assets being presented as both inventory and capital assets. There is no effect on the information presented for the current year.

8. Tangible capital assets


(in thousands of dollars) Cost

Opening balance

April 1, 2006
Acquisitions during the year Disposals / write-offs during the year Other (1) Closing balance March 31, 2007
Land 19,703 307 (41) 22 19,991
Buildings 438,000 - (1,112) 27,452 464,340
Works and infrastructure 1,781,649 27 (16,487) 92,440 1,857,629
Machinery and equipment 370,210 5,724 (18,524) 10,150 367,560
Informatics hardware 61,307 1,615 (7,485) 198 55,635
Informatics software 18,670 17 - - 18,687
Arms and weapons for defense 448 - (6) - 442
Other equipment, including furniture 613 - (49) - 564
Ships and boats 1,622,573 963 (18,288) 23,771 1,629,019
Aircraft 40,118   (4,125) 780 36,773
Motor vehicles (non-military) 65,107 7,984 (7,533) 120 65,678
Other vehicles 7,529 270 (340) 52 7,511
Leasehold improvements 535,881 32 (3,094) 3,319 536,138
Engineering work in progress - construction (2) 309,203 150,581 (14,455) (150,260) 295,069
Work-in-progress - software (2) 9,727 5,805 (395) (278) 14,859
Assets under capital leases - 203 - - 203
         
Total 5,280,738 173,528 (91,934) 7,766 5,370,098


(in thousands of dollars) Accumulated amortization Net book value
Accumulated amortization
April 1, 2006

Amortization

for the year
Disposal / write-offs Other (1) Accumulated amortization
March 31, 2006
March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006
Land - - - - -   19,991 19,703
Buildings 264,647 24,206 (544) 590 288,899   175,441 173,353
Works and infrastructure 862,900 66,330 (8,940) 1,166 921,456   936,173 918,749
Machinery and equipment 267,107 14,325 (15,269) - 266,163   101,397 103,103
Informatics hardware 55,875 3,084 (7,436) 56 51,579   4,056 5,432
Informatics software 14,080 4,173   - 18,253   434 4,590
Arms and weapons for defense 401 23 (6) - 418   24 47
Other equipment, including furniture 558 13 (47) - 524   40 55
Ships and boats 1,107,254 32,696 (17,023) - 1,122,927   506,092 515,319
Aircraft 34,061 1,786 (3,735) - 32,112   4,661 6,057
Motor vehicles (non-military) 45,242 5,715 (7,151) - 43,806   21,872 19,865
Other vehicles 6,368 298 (331) - 6,335   1,176 1,161
Leasehold improvements 297,096 20,272 (1,824) (1,756) 313,788   222,350 238,785
Engineering work in progress - construction - - - - -   295,069 309,203
Work-in-progress - software - - - - -   14,859 9,727
Assets under capital leases 56 27 - (56) 27   176 (56)
     
Total 2,955,645 172,948 (62,306) - 3,066,287   2,303,811 2,325,093

Amortization expense for the year ended March 31, 2007, is $172,948 (2006 - $170,254)

  1. The column "other" includes transfer of asset costs from work in progress (WIP) accounts to asset accounts, as well as corrections and reclassifications to asset cost and accumulated amortization accounts.
  2. Some work-in-progress projects have not been re-classified as tangible capital assets though the related assets were placed in service. This will result in overstated work-in-progress, understated asset value by category and understated annual depreciation expense. These amounts were estimated as being an overstatement of work-in-progress of approximately $81 million as of March 31, 2007. 

9. Lease obligation for tangible capital assets

The DFO has entered into agreements to rent information technology equipment under capital lease with a cost of $203,218 and accumulated amortization of $27,096 as at March 31, 2007 (Note 8). The obligations for the upcoming years include the following:


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Maturing year
2008 45 -
2009 45 -
2010 45 -
2011 45   -
2012 and thereafter 15 -
Total future minimum lease payments 195 -
Less: imputed interest (4.1%) (17) -
Balance of obligations under leased tangible capital assets 178 -

10. Contingent liabilities

(a) Contaminated sites

Liabilities are accrued to record the estimated costs related to the management and remediation of contaminated sites where the DFO is obligated or likely to be obligated to incur such costs. The DFO has identified sites where such action is possible and for which a liability of $169.2 million ($169.8 million in 2005-06) has been recorded. The DFO has estimated additional costs of $217.6 million ($232.4 million in 2005-06) that are not accrued, as these are not considered likely to be incurred at this time.

The DFO's ongoing efforts to assess contaminated sites may result in additional environmental liabilities related to newly identified sites, or changes in the assessments or intended use of existing sites. These liabilities will be accrued in the year in which they become known.

(b) Claims and litigation

Claims have been made against the DFO in the normal course of operations. Legal proceedings for claims totalling approximately $254.4 million ($242.7 million in 2006) were still pending at March 31, 2007. Some of these potential liabilities may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. To the extent that the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense recorded in the financial statements.

11. Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue represents the balance at year-end of unearned revenue stemming from donations, which are restricted to fund the research, development, management and promotion of fisheries- and oceans-related issues. Details of the transactions related to this account are as follows:


Opening balance,

April 1, 2006
Donations received Revenue Recognized

Closing balance,

March 31, 2007
(in thousands of dollars)
Deferred revenue
Restricted donations 187 0 (99) 88

12. Other liabilities

Other liabilities represent funds received by the DFO under regulations, cost-sharing agreements or to fund projects. Details of the transactions related to these accounts are as follows:


Opening balance April 1, 2006 Receipts and other credits Payments and other charges Closing balance> March 31, 2007
(in thousands of dollars)

Federal/provincial cost-

sharing agreements
1,145 543 (1,039) 649

Miscellaneous project

deposits
10,748 21,975 >(16,692) 16,031
Sales of seized assets - Fisheries Act 712 290 (400) 602
Contractors' security deposits 263 401 (333) 331
       
Total 12,868 23,209 (18,464) 17,613

  • Federal/provincial cost-sharing agreements - This account was established to record the deposit of money received from the provinces for cost-shared programs. The funds are disbursed according to agreements.
  • Miscellaneous project deposits - This account was established to record contributions received from organizations and individuals, for the furtherance of research work.
  • Sale of seized assets - This account was established to record the proceeds of sale of seized items by the DFO from a person contravening the Fisheries Act. Money so received is held in the Consolidated Revenue Fund pending final resolution of the case by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans or the courts.
  • Contractor security deposits - This account was established to record money held to ensure that a contractor's obligations under contracts are carried out, to protect the interests of subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and suppliers, and to protect the Crown against loss should a low bidder fail to enter into a contract.

13. Employee benefits

(a) Pension benefits: The DFO's employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of two percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Quebec Pension Plans benefits and they are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and the DFO contribute to the cost of the Plan. The DFO's 2006-07 expense amounts to $84,544,000 ($90,543,000 in 2005-06), which represents approximately 2.2 times (2.6 in 2005-06) the contributions by employees.

The DFO's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.

(b) Severance benefits: The DFO provides severance benefits to its employees based on eligibility, years of service and final salary. These severance benefits are not pre-funded. Benefits will be paid from future appropriations. Information about the severance benefits, measured as at March 31, are as follows.


2007 2006
  (in thousands of dollars)
   
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year 133,743 117,536
Expense for the year 16,977 26,724
Benefits paid during the year (11,241) (10,517)
Accrued benefit obligation, end of year 139,479 133,743

14. Equity of Canada


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Restricted Equity of Canada, April 1 678 637
Supplementary Fish Fines Account    
Revenues 315 256
Expenses (142) (215)
Restricted Equity of Canada, March 31 851 678
Unrestricted Equity of Canada, March 31 1,726,513 1,803,879
Total Equity of Canada at March 31 1,727,364 1,804,557

Section 79.2 of the Fisheries Act requires that revenues from fines imposed be earmarked and that related payments and expenses be charged against such revenues. The Supplementary Fish Fines Account presents these revenues and expenses and the year-end balance available for future years.

15. Related party transactions

The DFO is related as a result of common ownership to all Government of Canada departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. The DFO enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms. Also, during the year, the DFO received services which were obtained without charge from other Government departments as presented in part (a).

(a) Services provided without charge by other government departments

During the year, the DFO received without charge from other departments, accommodation, legal fees and the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans, administration costs and commissions paid to provincial workers' compensation boards. These services without charge have been recognized in the DFO's Statement of Operations as follows:


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
Accommodation provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada 42,328 41,620
Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans provided by Treasury Board Secretariat 54,180 54,282
Administration costs and commissions paid to provincial workers' compensation boards by Social Development Canada. 1,343 1,583
Legal services provided by Justice Canada 3,142 2,350
Total services provided without charge 100,993 99,835

The Government has structured some of its administrative activities for efficiency and cost-effectiveness purposes so that one department performs these on behalf of all without charge. The costs of these services, which include payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada, are not included as an expense in the DFO's Statement of Operations.

(b) Payables and receivables outstanding at year-end with related parties are as follows:


2007 2006
(in thousands of dollars)
   
Accounts receivable with other government departments and agencies 18,452 9,662
Accounts payable to other government departments and agencies 31,885 35,335

16. Comparative information

Comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.



Annex 2 — List of Acronyms


AAROM Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management
ACFAM Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers
ACRDP Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program
AFS Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy
AIHP Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program
AIS Automatic Identification System
CASS Corporate Administrative Shared Services
CCFAM Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers
CCG Canadian Coast Guard
CCGC Canadian Coast Guard College
CCS Communications Control System
CEAA Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
CGP Cod Genomics and Broodstock Development Project
CHS Canadian Hydrographic Service
CIS Canadian Ice Service
COOGER Centre for Offshore Oil and Gas Environmental Research
COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DMC Departmental Management Committee
DND Department of National Defence
EOAR Ecosystem Overview Assessment Report
EPMP Environmental Process Modernization Plan
FMR Fisheries Management Renewal
FMRI Fleet Management Renewal Initiative
FTE Full-time Equivalent
HA Harbour Authority
HMP Habitat Management Program
HSTF High Seas Task Force
IFMP Integrated Fisheries Management Plans
IMTA Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture
ITQ Individual Transferable Quota
JRCC Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre
LOMA Large Ocean Management Area
LOS Levels of Service
LRIT Long-Range Identification and Tracking
MAM Marine Aids Modernization
MCTS Marine Communications and Traffic Services
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MPA Marine Protected Area
NHQ National Headquarters
NMAB National Marine Advisory Board
NRIA National Resource Industry Association
OAP Oceans Action Plan
OS Operational Statement
PAA Program Activity Architecture
PWGSC Public Works and Government Services Canada
RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RDG Regional Director General
RFMO Regional Fisheries Management Organization
SAR Search and Rescue
SARA Species at Risk Act
SCH Small Craft Harbours
SDS Sustainable Development Strategy
SEP Salmonid Enhancement Program
SOA Special Operating Agency
TBS Treasury Board Secretariat

Annex 3 — Footnotes


[1]

Data source: 2006 Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Freshwater and Inland Residents (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm). Results demonstrate confidence in CCG's ability to deliver its services using a scale of 1 to 10, where 0 is not at all confident and 10 is very confident.

[2]

An incident is defined as any occurrence requiring a response from the Search and Rescue System, and could include both accidents and engine breakdowns.

[3]

Data source: 2006 Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Freshwater and Inland Residents (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm). Results demonstrate confidence in CCG's ability to deliver its services using a scale of 1 to 10, where 0 is not at all confident and 10 is very confident.

[4]

Data source: 2006 Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Freshwater and Inland Residents (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm). Results demonstrate confidence in CCG's ability to deliver its services using a scale of 1 to 10, where 0 is not at all confident and 10 is very confident.

[5]

The 2004 SAR figures are the most recent available, as DND and the Coast Guard are modernizing database tracking.

[6]

Data source: 2006 Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Freshwater and Inland Residents (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm). Results demonstrate confidence in CCG's ability to deliver its services using a scale of 1 to 10, where 0 is not at all confident and 10 is very confident.

[7]

Data source: 2006 Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Freshwater and Inland Residents (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm). Results demonstrate confidence in CCG's ability to deliver its services using a scale of 1 to 10, where 0 is not at all confident and 10 is very confident.

[8]

A hazardous occurrence is a marine accident resulting directly from the operation of a CCG vessel or helicopter.

[9]

A disabling injury is generally defined as an injury or illness that prevents an employee from performing normal duties.

[10]

A major non-conformity means an identifiable deviation that poses a serious threat to personnel or safety of the ship or a serious risk to the environment. A minor non-conformity is an isolated incident of non-conformance without direct consequences for safety. An observation refers to comments or observations for continuous improvement.

[11]

An interception fishery is one in which stock is caught by Canada and one or more other countries, e.g. Pacific salmon, Pacific halibut, or tuna.

[12]

2006 DFO Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Northern, Freshwater and Inland Residents in Canada (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm); Qualitative Research Exploring Canadians' Perceptions, Attitudes and Concerns Towards Aquaculture (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/focus-aquaculture_e.htm)

[13]

Perceptions of Canadian Aquaculture by U.S. Seafood Opinion Leaders (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por-rop763-007_e.htm)

[14]

Source: Observatoire des sciences et des technologies (OST) (http://www.ost.uqam.ca/).

[15]

The results of this study are based on 2,273 telephone interviews with a representative sample of residents conducted between June 8 and June 28, 2000. Overall results for a survey of this size are considered accurate within ± 2.1%, nineteen times out of twenty.

[16]

2006 DFO Baseline Public Opinion Survey of Coastal, Northern, Freshwater and Inland Residents in Canada (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/por_318-05/por20060608_e.htm); Qualitative Research Exploring Canadians' Perceptions, Attitudes and Concerns Towards Aquaculture (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/misc/focus-aquaculture_e.htm)

[17]

Source: Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/Publications/Pub_Index_e.htm

[18]

OSTP is the new name for the Oceans Technology Group.

[19]

Measures and conditions for avoiding the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction (HADD) to fish habitat and thus being in compliance with subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act.

[20]

Data source: DFO's Program Activity Tracking for Habitat (PATH) system.

[21]

Data source: DFO's Major Projects List.

[22]

Source: Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/home-accueil_e.htm).

[23]

Data source: Media Miser and General Inquiries database.

[24]

Data source: Position Classification Information System (PCIS).

[25]

Data source: DFO Contaminated Sites Module database.




Table 9B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees


External Fee Service Standard Performance Result Stakeholder Consultation
Maintenance Dredging Services Tonnage Fee In general, dredging is intended to maintain the depths indicated on the sea charts and to ensure the optimal and safe use of the St. Lawrence seaway twelve months a year1 In 2006-2007, the St. Lawrence seaway was maintained in conformity with the depths indicated on the sea charts The annual meeting between the CCG and dredging service recipients took place in May 2007. The clients were very satisfied with the services which they received from the CCG and did not request any changes to the current agreement. The customers were also informed of the fee increase for the new year as a result of the consumer price index
Marine Navigation Services Fee Short Range Aids to Navigation identified as required to support commercial shipping in Canadian waters are operational not less than 99% of the time in accordance with established levels of service. Short Range Aids to Navigation identified as required to support commercial shipping in Canadian waters were operational not less than 99.0% of the time in accordance with established levels of service. The current Marine Navigation Services Fee's rates and application were developed in co-operation with the commercial shipping industry in 1998.
All marine traffic and communications management identified as required to support commercial shipping in Canadian waters are available from the Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres in accordance with established levels of service. All marine traffic and communications management identified as required to support commercial shipping in Canadian waters were available from the Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres in accordance with established levels of service. Canadian Coast Guard officers in the region and from Headquarters liaise on a routine and regular basis with commercial shipping clients to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness respecting the Aids to Navigation Program and the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Program.
Icebreaking Services Fee2 All ice information and routing services in support of commercial shipping in Canadian waters are available from Canadian Coast Guard Ice Operations Centres in accordance with the Icebreaking Program's levels of service. All ice information and routing services in support of commercial shipping in Canadian waters were available from Canadian Coast Guard Ice Operations Centres in accordance with the Icebreaking Program's levels of service. The Icebreaking Services Fee's transit-based structure, rate and application were developed in 1998 by an Industry/Canadian Coast Guard Working Group that rejected a fee based on direct service. The Icebreaking Services Fee has remained unadjusted since then.
All requests for route assistance and commercial harbour breakouts in support of commercial shipping in Canadian waters will be responded to in accordance with established Icebreaking Program levels of service. All requests for route assistance and commercial harbour breakouts in support of commercial shipping in Canadian waters were responded to in accordance with established Icebreaking Program levels of service. Canadian Coast Guard officers in the region and from Headquarters liaise on a routine and regular basis with commercial shipping clients respecting icebreaking operations. This includes regular meetings in each region in the lead-up to each ice season, and a post mortem meeting at the end of each ice season.
Marine Communications and Traffic Services - Canadian Coast Guard Radio Communications Charges Where the service is available2, all non-safety related ship to shore, and shore to ship public correspondence communications are facilitated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in accordance with established Marine Communications and Traffic Services levels of service. 100 per cent of requests, totalling 1085 ship to shore/shore to ship telephone calls, were placed via CCG personnel in accordance with Marine Communications and Traffic Services levels of service. The fees in place were established in 1994 and have remained unadjusted since then.
Hydrography - Sale of paper charts and publications on a wholesale basis through dealers Updated CHS Nautical Products will be provided in accordance with established levels of service that ensure the timeliness and accessibility of these products. Looking to core elements of CHS's Levels of Service, purchasers of charts and publications can expect that updates will be provided to these products within 4 months of the receipt of new critical information; that requests for products will be shipped within 5 working days following receipt of the order, and; that 20% of CHS high-risk charts are reviewed annually. CHS achieved its targets for processing and disseminating critical information. On average, updates were issued within 3.9 months.

Orders for products were shipped within 5 days 97 % of the time. 20% of CHS high risk charts were reviewed.

CHS's Levels of Service were developed in consultation with CHS clients, the Levels of Service Advisory Panel and the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) between 2005-2007. CHS reports to the Advisory Panel and CMAC annually on progress made in meeting the levels of service standards.
Fees charged for the processing of Access requests filed under the Access to Information Act Response provided within 30 days following receipt of request; the response time may be extended pursuant to Section 9 of the Access to Information Act. Notice of extension to be sent within 30 days after receipt of request.

The Access to Information Act provides fuller details: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/A-1/index.html

Statutory deadlines were met 95% of the time. The service standard is established by the Access to Information Act and the Access to Information Regulations. Consultations with stakeholders were undertaken by the Department of Justice and the Treasury Board Secretariat for amendments done in 1986 and 1992.

1Seaway maintenance takes user delays into consideration. Ship loading capacity was not affected by shallow water in the seaway.

2The cessation of the Canadian Coast Guard commercial public correspondence service has commenced as of December 31, 1999, in selected areas, based upon the demand for the service and the availability of alternate service delivery methods.

B. Other Information

Canadian Coast Guard Fees: Canadian Coast Guard is conducting a review of Levels of Service (LOS) to validate the LOS and service standards provided. Clients will be closely engaged in this process. The scope of the LOS covers all main CCG activities for which LOS are appropriate, regardless of whether there are external charges associated with them. CCG's LOS can be accessed at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/los-nds/los_e.htm.

Access Fees: Fees Commercial fishing licence fees and recreational fishing licence fees) identified in Table 9-A under Fisheries Management are not reflected in Table 9-B, as reflect the value of the privilege/benefit of access to a valuable natural resource owned by all Canadians. Decisions that could come out of DFO's Fisheries Renewal initiative could inform what future role and links should be made between access fees and service standards. The Pacific Salmon Conservation Stamp also has an access element, but is primarily designed to support salmon restoration and enhancement initiatives. The Sport Fishing Advisory Board of BC supports the licence and salmon stamp fees. Additional details on the Pacific Salmon Conservation Stamp can be obtained at: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/licensing/stamp_e.htm.



Progress Against the Department's Regulatory Plan

Progress Against the Department's Regulatory Plan


Regulations Expected Results Results Achieved
Fisheries Act
  • Development of proposals to revise the legislation in support of policy reviews in the areas of fisheries and habitat management
  • Development of a legislative package to be tabled at a time determined by the Government
  • Bill C-45 tabled December 13, 2006
  • Extensive stakeholder engagement and technical briefings ongoing
  • Options developed on how best to proceed with legislation when the new Parliament is in place.
Contraventions Regulations
  • Add schedules of offences and fines to reflect various fishery regulations under the Contraventions Act
  • Decriminalize process for lesser fishery regulation violations, and reduce and simplify compliance procedures
  • Discussions with Justice Canada pending amendments to the Ontario Fishery Regulations, 1989
Species at Risk Regulations
  • Development of regulations and management of aquatic species listing under the Species at Risk Act
  • Identification, protection and sustainability of threatened and endangered aquatic species
  • 30 aquatic species considered for listing (April '06 and August '06)
    • 12 aquatic species listed
    • 12 not listed
    • 6 aquatic species were returned to COSEWIC for further consideration
Amendments to Provincial and Territorial Fishery Regulations
  • Improved fisheries management and enforcement in co-operation with provincial and territorial governments
  • SOR/2006-119 (Manitoba Fishery Regulations, 1987)
  • SOR/2006-132 (Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985)
  • SOR/2007-20 (Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985)
  • SOR/2007-77 (Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulation, 2007)
Nunavut Fishery Regulations
  • Development of Nunavut Fishery Regulations for the Nunavut Territory
  • Regulate fishing in the Nunavut territory in co operation with the territorial government and in accordance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
  • Regulatory Development ongoing
  • Drafting of the new regulation started
Marine Protected Areas
  • Establishment of selected Marine Protected Areas in Canada
  • Conservation and protection of ecosystems in distinctive areas of Canada's marine environment
  • SOR/2006-354 - Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area Regulations
  • Ongoing identification of Areas of interest (AOI) for new MPAs
Fishing and Recreational Harbours Regulations
  • Regulatory amendments to update the list of harbours under the administration of the Department
  • Reflect the ongoing divestiture of Small Craft Harbours
  • Regulatory documents completed (Regulation, RIAS, Communications Plan, etc); will enter the formal regulatory process in the near future for Governor in Council approval
Marine Mammal Regulations
  • Regulatory amendments to regulate marine mammal watching activities
  • Better protection of marine mammals and human safety by regulation of whale watching and other marine mammal watching activities
  • Development of new provisions to the Marine Mammal Regulations continues and ongoing consultations with OGDs
Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations
  • Incorporating NAFO measures into the Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations
  • Better management for NAFO fisheries
  • Drafting of regulatory amendments and Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) being finalized
Seismic Sound Mitigation Regulations
  • Establish a framework governing seismic activity in the marine environment
  • Regulatory standards governing seismic activity in the marine environment in co-operation with provincial and territorial governments, interest groups and industry
  • First Nations consultations will be initiated by federal and provincial authorities involved
Fishery (General) Regulations
  • Provide Variation Order authority to the Province of Nova Scotia
  • Province will be able to issue variation orders in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of Nova Scotia
  • SOR/2006-210 (Fishery General Regulations and Management of Contaminated Fishery Regulations)



Details on Project Spending


Table 1: Details on Project Spending, 2006-2007 (millions of dollars)
Program Activity/Province/Project Current Estimated Total Cost Actual Spending 2004-2005 Actual Spending 2005-2006 Main Estimates 2006-2007 Planned Spending 2006-2007 Total Authorities 2006-2007 Actual Spending 2006-2007
Canadian Coast Guard
Quebec
Acquisition of Air Cushion Vehicle
(S-EPA)
27.9 0.1 0.2 5.4 2.6 2.6
Multi-Province
Offshore Fisheries Research Vessel
(I-PPA)
187.0 0.3 17.3 17.3 0.5 0.5
Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (S-EPA) 146.5 0.6 8.1 8.1 1.7 1.7
National Communications Control System - Marine Communications and Traffic Services Modernization
(I-PPA)
42.1 0.3 6.5 6.5 0.3 0.3
Search and Rescue Lifeboat Replacement - Phase II (S-EPA) 41.1 17.6 5.3 2.1 2.1 1.1 1.1
Automatic Identification System - Security Funding (S-EPA) 20.0 1.0 1.0 12.0 12.0 1.0 1.0
Configuration Management and Technical Data Management System (I-PPA) 10.4 0.6 0.6 0.2 0.2
Program Enablers - Information Management and Information Technology1
Multi-Province
Regional Informatics Infrastructure Replacement (S-EPA) 19.5 3.1 0.6 0.6
IMIT - Security Enhancements (S-EPA) 6.8 3.2 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1
Program Enablers - Real Property Safety and Security
New Brunswick
St. Andrews Biological Station - New Science Building and Web Lab Construction (S-EPA) 44.9 2.0 0.3 4.1 4.1 0.6 0.4

1The listed projects exceed the Department's delegated approval authority for Informatics projects. As part of the Department's Program Enabler function, Informatics projects are conducted on behalf of all program activities. The three Informatics projects are listed separately instead of allocating the annual costs of each project across all nine program activities, which would dilute and create repetition in the information presented.



Status Report on Major Crown Projects

Description: The Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels project will acquire a total of twelve (12) Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (MSPV) for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Fleet - eight (8) for Fisheries Conservation and Protection (C&P) duties and four (4) for Maritime Security duties. This project serves two purposes: 1) Fleet Renewal - the acquisition of the eight (8) C&P patrol vessels represents the first step in modernization of the CCG fleet, is vital to ensure the integrity of the fishery monitoring program and will provide the capacity for DFO to support the strategic role in conservation and protection; 2) Maritime Security - the acquisition of the four (4) Maritime Security vessels will allow CCG in conjunction with the RCMP to respond to the Government's commitment to enhance the security of the nation's coasts and waterways.

Project Phase: The MSPV Project is currently in the Implementation phase.

Leading and Participating Departments and Agencies


Lead Department or Agency Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
Contracting Authority Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)
Participating Departments or Agencies Industry Canada (IC); RCMP; Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS); Privy Council Office (PCO); Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Western Economic Diversification Canada (WED); Canadian Economic Development (CED); Finance Canada; Defence Construction Canada; Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC); Department of National Defence (DND)

Prime and Major Sub-Contractors


Prime Contractor Proposals from Industry currently under review by the PMO
Major Sub-Contractor(s) n/a at this time

Major Milestones


Major Milestones Date
Preliminary Project Approval (PPA) August 2005
Price and Availability September 2005
Letter of Interest to Pre-qualified Suppliers October 2005
Effective Project Approval (EPA) June 2006
Requisition from CCG June 2006
Issue Request for Proposal November 2006
Contract Award Oct 2007
Commence Construction of First Vessel April 2008
First Vessel Delivery Oct 2009
Delivery of 4 Maritime Security Vessels and 8 Fleet Renewal Vessels May 2011

Progress Report and Explanations of Variance: An RFP for MSPV detailed design and construction was issued 8 Nov 2006. Federal Budget 2007 approved funding for 4 additional vessels for C&P, for a total of 12 vessels. Proposals from Industry have been received and are under evaluation. Delays have been caused by the extended period required for evaluation due to clarifications required by the evaluation team.

Industrial Benefits: Canadian industry in the following regions of Canada will benefit from this project: The RFP requires overall Industrial Benefits equal to 100% of contract value. Regional distribution TBD at contract award.


Region Cash Benefits
Atlantic Canada TBD
Québec TBD
Ontario TBD
Western Canada TBD

Summary of Non-Recurring Expenditures


($ millions) Current Estimated Total Expenditure Forecast Expenditures to March 31, 2007 Planned Spending 2007-2008 Future Years' Requirements
Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels 146.5 1.75 19.8 124.3



Details on Transfer Payment Programs


1. Name: Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management Program
2. Start Date: August 31, 2004 3. End Date: March 31, 2009

4. Description: AAROM is designed to help Aboriginal groups participate effectively in multistakeholder and other advisory and decision-making processes used for aquatic resources and oceans management. It provides funding to qualifying Aboriginal groups to establish aquatic resource and oceans management bodies. It will enable these groups to obtain access to skilled personnel and related support and to participate effectively in decision-making and advisory processes. AAROM employs a community driven approach recognizing that groups are at different stages of capacity development and not all have the same priorities and goals. The program will only be available to groups that are located where DFO manages the fishery and have not signed a comprehensive land claims agreement that addresses the matters under AAROM.

5. Strategic Outcome(s): Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

6. Results Achieved: In 2006-2007, DFO entered into AAROM Agreements with 31 Aboriginal organizations, 14 Capacity Building Agreements and 17 Collaborative Management Agreements. Some of the groups had more than one agreement. 2006-2007 budget included $9.04 Million for Collaborative Management, $1.69 Million for Capacity Development, $3.97 for Access, $1.0M reimbursed from ATP and $531K returned to AFS for the Haida AFS Agreement.

  7. Actual Spending
2004-2005
8. Actual Spending
2005-2006
9. Planned Spending
2006-2007
10. Total Authorities
2006-2007
11. Actual Spending
2006-2007
12. Variance(s) between 9. and 11.
13. Program Activity Fisheries Management
14. Total Grants $ $ $ $ $ $
14. Total Contributions $1,382,471 $11,708,623 $14,300,000 $14,706,131 $14,674,107 $374,107
14. Total Other Types of TPs $ $ $ $ $ $
15. Total Program Activity $1,382,471 $11,708,623 $14,300,000 $14,706,131 $14,674,107 $374,107
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): An additional contribution agreement was signed with Kativik Regional Government.
17. Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to Last Audit and/or Evaluation:

In progress for 2007.


 


1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy
2. Start Date: June 11, 1992 3. End Date: March 31, 2009

4. Description: The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) provides for the effective management of the Aboriginal fishery in a manner consistent with the Sparrow decision. In accordance with negotiated, time-limited agreements, Aboriginal groups participate in the management of their fisheries including opportunities in habitat management, science and enforcement activities. In addition, the Allocation Transfer Program (ATP) supports the Aboriginal groups in achieving self-sufficiency through participation in commercial fisheries. The ATP facilitates the voluntary retirement of commercial licences to eligible Aboriginal organizations. The AFS Program applies where DFO manages the fishery, and where land claims settlements are not in place.

5. Strategic Outcome(s): Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

6. Results Achieved: 147 AFS Agreements (101 Pacific, 11 Quebec, 14 Maritimes, 15 Gulf, 2 Central and Arctic, 4 Newfoundland and Labrador).Creation of 1200 seasonal jobs in areas such as processing, monitoring and enhancement activities, habitat restoration, stock assessment, fisheries enhancement, and in the areas of consultation and economic development. In 2006-2007 DFO budgeted $9,200,000 for ATP licences. All was spent.

  7. Actual Spending
2004-2005
8. Actual Spending
2005-2006
9. Planned Spending
2006-2007
10. Total Authorities
2006-2007
11. Actual Spending
2006-2007
12. Variance(s) between 9. and 11.
13. Program Activity Fisheries Management
14. Total Grants $ $ $ $ $ $
14. Total Contributions $35,854,867 $31,466,647 $31,100,000 $32,191,869 $32,177,511 $1,077,511
14. Total Other Types of TPs $ $ $ $ $ $
15. Total Program Activity $35,854,867 $31,466,647 $31,100,000 $32,191,869 $32,177,511 $1,077,511
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): $1.1M transferred from Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (to be repaid in 2007/08).
17. Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to Last Audit and/or Evaluation:

To be undertaken in 2008.


 


1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Fisheries Access Program
2. Start Date: January 12, 2000 3. End Date: March 31, 2007

4. Description: The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), in the September 17, 1999 R. v. Marshall Decision, affirmed a Treaty right to hunt, fish and gather in pursuit of a 'moderate livelihood' stemming from Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760 and 1761. The Decision affected 34 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and the Gaspé region of Quebec. The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) also affirmed the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)'s ability to regulate the exercise of the treaty right subject to the requirement that any infringement of the treaty right be justified. In response to the SCC Decision, DFO implemented the Marshall Response Initiative (MRI). The MRI is composed of two components, the Fisheries Access Program (FAP) and Capacity Building Initiatives. The FAP component of the initiative relied on an approach of voluntary retirement of commercial licences vessels to provide First Nations access to communal commercial licences. The capacity building component was used to assist the First nations in their efforts to use the access effectively and efficiently. In the Public Accounts, the expenditures for both FAP and Capacity Building are listed under FAP alone.

5. Strategic Outcome(s): Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

6. Results Achieved: The Department negotiated Fisheries Agreements with 31 of the 34 eligible First Nations. The department has been successful in providing First Nations access to communal commercial licences, vessels and gear. It is estimated that in excess of 99% of all FAP commitments have been met.

  7. Actual Spending
2004-2005
8. Actual Spending
2005-2006
9. Planned Spending
2006-2007
10. Total Authorities
2006-2007
11. Actual Spending
2006-2007
12. Variance(s) between 9. and 11.
13. Program Activity Fisheries Management
14. Total Grants $ $ $ $ $ $
14. Total Contributions $47,452,125 $27,973,656 $50,000,000 $65,119,900 $51,768,161 $1,768,161
14. Total Other Types of TPs $ $ $ $ $ $
15. Total Program Activity $47,452,125 $27,973,656 $50,000,000 $65,119,900 $51,768,161 $1,768,161
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Fulfilled more obligations in contribution agreements than expected.
17) Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to Last Audit and/or Evaluation URLs of audits etc.:

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/cread/audits/05-06/60250_e.htm

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/cread/evaluations/05-06/65138_e.htm




Conditional Grants (Foundations)


1. Name of Recipient: Atlantic Salmon Endowment Fund
2. Start Date: January 19, 2007 3. End Date: None 4. Total Funding: $30,000,000

5. Description: The Atlantic Salmon Endowment Fund (ASEF) is a one time conditional grant that will be invested in order to provide long-term funding for the operation of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF). The ASCF will invest the funds and use the income to assist community groups in the restoration, protection and improved conservation of the Atlantic salmon resource in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. This will promote projects in research, conservation, habitat restoration and enhancement for the attainment of healthy and sustainable wild Atlantic salmon stocks and the projects it funds.

6. Strategic Outcome(s): Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture refers to an integrated fisheries and aquaculture program that is credible, science based, affordable and effective, and contributes to sustainable wealth for Canadians.

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:In 2007, the ASCF will initiate start-up activities to establish the ASEF and develop their Strategic Plan, Statement of Investment Policy, and Audit and Evaluation Strategy. In subsequent years, the ASCF will evaluate applications and select those projects that best meet the objectives to conserve, restore and protect the wild Atlantic salmon stocks and their habitat in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

  8. Actual Spending
2004-2005
9. Actual Spending
2005-2006
10. Planned Spending
2006-2007
11. Total Authorities
2006-2007
12. Actual Spending
2006-2007
13. Variance(s) between 10. and 12.
  $0 $0 $30,000,000 $30,000,000 $30,000,000 $0
14. Program Activity: Fisheries Management
15. Comment(s) on Variance(s):
16. Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL to Last Audit and/or Evaluation URLs:

The ASCF will develop an Audit and Evaluation Strategy for ultimate projects and to measure their overall performance in achieving the ASEF Program purpose and objectives identified in the Funding Agreement. No audit is presently scheduled. The Minister reserves the right to request an audit at any time.

17. URL to Recipient's Site: Website yet to be developed
18. URL to Recipient's Annual Report: Website yet to be developed

 


1. Name of Recipient: Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund Society
2. Start Date: September 1997 3. End Date: None 4. Total Funding: $30,000,000

5. Description: The fund, supported by a $30 million federal endowment from Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 1999, and managed by a non profit organization (Pacific Salmon Foundation), uses proceeds from the fund to undertake specific plans and activities to support salmon. The mission of the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund is to: Conserve and rebuild Pacific salmon populations through strategic and focused efforts where people and resources are mobilized to work together to achieve common goals.

6. Strategic Outcome(s):

a) Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture refers to an integrated fisheries and aquaculture program that is credible, science based, affordable and effective, and contributes to sustainable wealth for Canadians

b) Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems means the sustainable development and integrated management of resources in or around Canada's aquatic environment through oceans and fish habitat management, and the critical science activities that support these two programs.

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:
  • spent approximately $3.2M and levered another $6.5M direct and $16.1M indirect funds to support 141 projects to conserve, restore and protect Pacific salmon and their habitat and to stewardship of the resource including increasing public knowledge and awareness.
  • provided approximately $3.8M over 5 years for program management, resource capacity development and science activities to increase community awareness, attract third party funding, program visibility, leadership, financial, operational and evaluation support.
  • Sustained salmon stock and improved habitat quantity, function and watershed health with the projects that contributed to healthy and sustainable Canadian Pacific salmon stocks in 7 key watersheds in BC.
  • Increased the capital and revenue returns of the PSEF through such measures as contributions, partnerships and charitable donations for Capital Level effort (Lead Salmon Chair at Simon Fraser University), Recovery Plan level effort (Squamish Watershed Plan), and Project level effort (Englishmen River).
  • Fostered and increased local stewardship efforts, education and awareness at the Englishmen River and Rivers and Smith Inlet to encourage and facilitate citizen engagement and cooperating with relevant stakeholders in order to achieve the purposes of the Society.
  8. Actual Spending
2004-2005
9. Actual Spending
2005-2006
10. Planned Spending
2006-2007
11. Total Authorities
2006-2007
12. Actual Spending
2006-2007
13. Variance(s) between 10. and 12.
  $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
14. Program Activity: Fisheries Management
15. Comment(s) on Variance(s):
16. Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to Last Audit and/or Evaluation

Evaluation undertaken in 2006 and results being reviewed by DFO.

17. URL to Recipient's Site:

http://www.psf.ca/02psefs/index.html

18. URL to Recipient's Annual Report: Contact PSF



Procurement and Contracting

Procurement and Contracting - Fisheries and Oceans Canada


  Departmental input
Role played by procurement and contracting in delivering programs DFO is a highly decentralized, operational department with a presence in over 300 communities. Procurement and contracting are important functions in support of departmental operations.
Overview of how the department manages its contracting function Specialists in Ottawa headquarters and in all six regions of the country issue contracts that are within their delegated authorities and assist in the development of procurement policies, procedures and strategies. The Department uses Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) to provide contracting services when the requirements exceed the Department's authorities (for example, all goods requirements in excess of $5,000 and not covered by standing offer) or when specific expertise is required. DFO's Acquisition Card Program is another key tool used to support its procurement activities. In 2006-2007, DFO used acquisition cards to pay for $86 million of its low dollar value and standing offer purchases.

In 2006-2007, 4,675 contracts in excess of $10,000 were issued by DFO or on its behalf by PWGSC. These contracts had a total value of almost $265 million. The largest contract was for the repair of ships and vessels and totalled almost $9.5 million.

Progress and new initiatives enabling effective and efficient procurement practices An audit of contracting was carried out by Internal Audit and Evaluation for the period October 2005 to August 2006. The Office of the Auditor General also conducted an audit on acquisition cards for the period January 2005 to December 2005. Management Action Plans for both audits have been developed and approved in 2006-2007 resulting in changes in contracting administration and improved tools for monitoring of activities.

The Centre of Excellence - Procurement entered its third full year of operation. The mandate of the Centre is:

  • To support and promote modern management skills and techniques in procurement;
  • To identify opportunities and modify current business practices to reduce departmental procurement costs; and
  • To provide strategic advice and support as to how the Department can optimize its methods of acquisition for common commodities nationally or regionally.

Consolidation of procurements for desktop computing devices, network computers and wireless devices has resulted in savings of $5.75 million to date.




Table 19: Client-Centred Service


(1) Service (2) Service Standards by Type (3) Performance against Service Standards (4) Client Satisfaction Scores (5) Common Measurements Tool Used (6) Responding to Results (7) Planning to address missing elements
With Charges: 7 Timeliness: 6 Access: 6 Accuracy: 6 6 1 0 See tables 19a and 19b below.
Without Charges: 12 Timeliness: 7 Access: 7 Accuracy: 6 7 4   0

Table 19a) Services with External Charges


Service (list) Where performance and client satisfaction was measured, comment on what actions are planned or have taken place to respond to results. Where performance and client satisfaction are not measured, comment on plans to establish service standards and / or client satisfaction measures.
Sale of Hydrographic Charts and publications CHS is responding to the Advisory Board* request to better synchronize the paper and digital product lines.  
Processing of Access requests filed under the Access to Information Act Performance was rated as satisfactory, therefore intent is to try to maintain this current level of performance. No plans to start measuring client satisfaction at this time.
Maintenance Dredging Services Tonnage Fee Review of Levels of Service (LOS) is underway to validate the LOS and service standards provided. Clients will be closely engaged in this process. Adjustments to authorities may be sought to respond to changes requested.
Marine Navigation Services Fee
Icebreaking Services Fee
MCTS - CCG Radio Communications Charges
Issuance of Commercial Fishing Licence Fees N/A No plans to establish service standards at this time.

* Canadian Hydrographic Service established service level targets through extensive consultation with stakeholders and reports against these at Canadian Marine Advisory Meetings and on the web.

Table 19b) Services Without External Charges


Service (list) Where performance and client satisfaction was measured, comment on what actions are planned or have taken place to respond to results. Where performance and client satisfaction are not measured, comment on plans to establish service standards and / or client satisfaction measures.
Access to tidal predictions and real-time water level information (CHS) No action required. N/A
General Enquiries The service has been consistently meeting its standards for performance and client satisfaction. No new actions are planned. N/A
Aids to Navigation** Review of Levels of Service (LOS) is underway to validate the LOS and service standards provided. Clients will be closely engaged in this process. Adjustments to authorities may be sought to respond to changes requested.
Waterways
Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS)**
Icebreaking**
Environmental Response (ER)
Search and Rescue (SAR) SAR Needs Analysis to be completed. Consultations with clients and stakeholders planned for 2007.
Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program Performance was measured based on DFO's Results-based Management Accountability Framework (FMAF) for the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program that was relevant to specific management actions. Not applicable - RMAF is in place.
Conservation and Protection of Fish Habitat Actions taken include implementing the Environmental Process Modernization Plan (EPMP) to improve delivery of the Habitat Management Program. DFO plans to repeat its EPMP related survey questionnaire, which includes client satisfaction measures, in fiscal year 2007-09.
Environmental Assessments Actions taken include implementing the Environmental Process Modernization Plan to improve management of Environmental Assessments for major projects. DFO plans to repeat its EPMP related survey questionnaire, which includes client satisfaction measures, in fiscal year 2007-09.
Data reporting and dissemination of statistics to clients via statistical services website. N/A Plans to establish standards and client satisfaction measures will be done in coordination with the activities and projects under the Management Action Plan to improve the Department's statistical information of fisheries, which is currently underway.

** These line-items refer to the services that are not cost-recovered, as the services that are cost recovered are referred to in the subsection on services with External Charges.