Section I: Overview

Management Representation Statement

I submit for tabling in Parliament, the 2007–08 Departmental Performance Report for the Public Appointments Commission Secretariat.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2007–08 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports:

• It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the Treasury Board Secretariat guidance;

• It is based on the department's approved Strategic Outcome(s) and Program Activity Architecture that were approved by the Treasury Board;

• 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.

Christine Miles
Deputy Executive Director
Public Appointments Commission Secretariat

Summary Information

PAC's Raison d’être

The Public Appointments Commission Secretariat was created by Order in Council on April 21, 2006.  The Secretariat was created to support the establishment of the Public Appointments Commission, whose mandate is described in the Federal Accountability Act. In advance of the appointment of Commissioners, the Secretariat’s role is to lay the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Commission.  The operations of the Commission and its supporting Secretariat will help to ensure that appointments to agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations are made accordingly to fair and competency-based selection processes, thereby enhancing confidence in the integrity of the system.

The Commission and its Secretariat are within the portfolio of the Prime Minister, reflecting the prerogative of the Prime Minister with respect to Governor-in-Council appointments.

Financial Resources (thousand of dollars)

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

From April 2007 to November 2007, there were no personnel in the Public Appointments Commission Secretariat. A Deputy Executive Director, supported by and Administrative Assistant (hired by contract), was assigned at the beginning of November 2007.

Departmental Priorities

The key focus for 2007-2008 continues to be to lay the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Public Appointments Commission.

Once Commissioners have been appointed, the Secretariat will provide policy and operational support to the chair and members.  To minimize delays, background materials have been developed  to provide Commission members information upon which to make key decisions on strategic directions for the development and implementation of the Commission’s mandate.

The Secretariat strengthened the establishment of its organizational structure including delegated authorities and a revised memorandum of understanding with PCO to provide key administrative and financial services.

Options were developed for a possible Code of Practice, for the consideration of Commission members once appointed including associated guidance reflecting research on best practices.

Options were also developed on ways to monitor, audit and report on progress towards implementing the Code of Practice in anticipation of the Commission’s establishment.

Program Activities by Strategic Outcome (thousand of dollars)