ARCHIVED - Public Safety Canada - Report

• Previous Page
• Table of Contents
• Next Page

This page has been archived.

Section II: Analysis of Program Activities

The following section describes Public Safety Canada's strategic outcome and its new program activities with corresponding expected results, performance indicators and targets for 2011-12.

A safe and resilient Canada

D

The Department's mandate is to support the Minister in his responsibility for all matters related to public safety and emergency management, including his national leadership role, as well as to support the Minister in his responsibilities for the coordination of Portfolio entities and for setting their strategic priorities. These responsibilities include protecting the security of Canada and Canadians; fighting serious and organized crime; and enhancing community safety and security.

Although significant attention is given to promote the concept of safety and resilience internationally, no standard or measurement scheme exists to evaluate either concept at a national level. With widespread recognition that a measurement framework can provide a solid platform to inform policy decisions and resource allocation, the Department will undertake a series of initiatives to examine how to measure Canada's resilience and safety.

The Department will continue its partnership with Statistics Canada to determine the feasibility of measuring specific components of resilience, as well as explore potential partnerships with provincial governments, academia and international partners to further develop work previously underway. The Department will implement a phased approach to developing a measurement framework and anticipates its completion in the next three to five years.

In the interim, the Department will report on three proxy indicators to measure its strategic outcome:

• proportion of incidents where there was a timely response to events affecting the national interest;
• number of hours that any border service point is closed due to a security concern ; and
• percentage of the Canadian population satisfied with their personal safety from crime.

National Security

D

This program activity ensures Canada is prepared for and can respond to a range of national security threats. The threat environment faced by Canadians is becoming increasingly complex, underlining the relevance of this program for the security of Canadians. This program activity coordinates the efforts of the Public Safety Portfolio and broader government departments and agencies on matters relevant to national security. In order to achieve this, the program works cooperatively with operational and policy partners to provide the Government with strategic advice on rapidly evolving and often sensitive issues. It complements the advice from Portfolio agencies that have operational expertise in areas such as intelligence collection and analysis, investigations or border control. The program also assists the Minister and Deputy Minister in fulfilling key statutory obligations; coordinates, analyses and develops policy on complex issues, including the listing and delisting of terrorist entities; radicalization leading to violence; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and seeks to identify and close the gaps in Canada’s ability to deal with national security related threats. Due to its complexity, importance, and potential impact on individual rights, national security legislation, programs and policies must be well founded, well governed, and well executed; this program plays a central role in supporting decision makers in achieving this goal on behalf of Canadians.

Benefit to Canadians

Public Safety Canada’s national security program activity supports the pursuit of a safe and resilient Canada by working to ensure that Canada is better able to combat espionage, terrorism, cyber threats and foreign-influenced activities. The Department exercises leadership by coordinating efforts to protect Canadians and Canada’s critical infrastructure from national security threats through the development and implementation of policies, programs and legislative proposals. It also works with partner departments and agencies to implement the Government’s direction on national security, while respecting the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Planning Highlights

	Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($000s)
	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14
Full Time Equivalents	118	119	122
Planned Spending	14,090.7	13,981.8	14,172.0

Expected Results

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canada is prepared for and can respond to national security threats	Number of actions taken to address identified national security threats	Baseline TBD
Canada’s critical infrastructure is resilient	Critical Infrastructure Resilience Score	Baseline TBD

The Department relies on a robust national security framework of laws, policies and priorities to address national security threats and in 2011-12, will continue to make enhancements to its framework through policies, programs and legislative options. This work includes engagement with key counter-terrorism partners, including the provinces, territories, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

The Department will work with other government departments and agencies to develop policy options and responses to strengthen Canada’s domestic capacity to counter violent extremism; counter proliferation threats; and address challenges associated with foreign nationals in Canada considered inadmissible for national security reasons. It will also continue supporting the advancement of the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act ^[5], to deter future terrorist activities.

In 2011-12, Public Safety Canada will advance a number of commitments made in the Government’s Air India Inquiry Action Plan to address outstanding challenges in Canada’s security and intelligence apparatus. It will also finalize the development of a mechanism for the review of national security activities involving more than one department or agency. In addition, the Government will continue to build the fourth and final Canadian memorial dedicated to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 tragedy in Montreal. This memorial marks the delivery of its commitment to the victims’ families to commemorate the worst act of terrorism in Canadian history.

The Department will develop measures to enhance domestic information sharing for national security purposes, including legislation (to be developed in collaboration with the Department of Justice) to clarify authorities in this regard. Effective sharing of information and intelligence among federal departments and agencies is critical to Canada’s ability to address national security concerns.

Public Safety Canada will also coordinate the identification and review of foreign investments that may be injurious to Canada’s national security; coordinate the listing and delisting of terrorist entities pursuant to the Criminal Code; as well as monitor and advise on domestic and international national security cases. It will continue to provide operational leadership to implicated departments and portfolio agencies aimed at enhancing Canada’s ability to prevent marine human smuggling and the irregular arrival of asylum seekers and advance changes introduced in Bill C-49.

In 2011-12, the Department will develop a horizontal performance measurement strategy to report on the implementation of Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy. Also, to address challenges identified with a shifting telecommunications industry, rapidly evolving technologies and proposals to lessen foreign investment restrictions, Public Safety Canada will develop policy options for the Government on potential mitigating measures and security safeguards. This includes efforts to enable law enforcement and security agencies access to information in a rapidly changing technological environment (Bill C-52) which will enhance the ability to combat criminal and terrorist groups using modern communication technologies to advance their interests. Also, Public Safety Canada will develop a public awareness campaign to help protect Canadians against cyber threats. The campaign will include a range of communications activities, such as advertising, web and social media efforts, as well as collaborative arrangements and special events. Through the Strategy’s continued implementation, the Department will provide national leadership on specific initiatives to enhance and promote cyber security in Canada.

Recognizing that Canada’s critical infrastructure is confronted by a range of risks and threats (e.g. terrorist attacks, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, pandemics, etc), the Department will lead horizontal efforts to implement the National Strategy and Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure and advance a public-private sector approach to manage risks; respond effectively to attacks; and recover swiftly if disruptions occur. Furthermore, it will develop a preliminary critical infrastructure resilience index and in 2011-12, will focus on updating and validating the methodology in collaboration with other federal departments and agencies to apply the methodology across all ten sectors.

The Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security ^[6] will continue to provide advice to the Government on its national security policies and programs, as well as help facilitate the Government's engagement with Canadians. The Roundtable is a key contributor to the development of national security policies and programs so that they reflect the diverse views of Canada's pluralistic society. Aside from regular participation in formal meetings, the Roundtable members, along with the Department, will continue to participate in and stimulate community dialogue and outreach events to better inform the public about national security policies as well as provide Government with community engagement opportunities.

Border Strategies

D

This program activity provides federal policy leadership, coordination and coherence on a variety of border issues such as customs, immigration, and cross-border law enforcement in order to ensure that security objectives are achieved in a manner that facilitates the flow of legitimate trade and travel and reduces security related risks. The intent of this program is to promote the safety and economic well-being of Canadians through supporting secure and efficient management of Canada’s borders. This program also advances critical infrastructure objectives through effective coordination among federal departments and agencies and partnerships with industry sectors. In order to achieve this result, the program develops and supports a focused border management agenda, leads ongoing dialogue between Canada and the United States on strategic and operational border policy issues, implements cross-border arrangements relating to the movement of goods and people during emergencies, and provides policy advice, leadership and horizontal coordination to Public Safety Portfolio agencies and other federal departments regarding border issues. This program plays a central role in supporting the Government in making fully informed decisions concerning border policy, border management and cross-border law enforcement for the benefit of Canadians.

Benefit to Canadians

The Border Strategies program activity supports a safe and resilient Canada by working to help ensure efficient and secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel which are essential to Canada’s national security and economic well-being. By working with key domestic stakeholders (CBSA, RCMP, CSIS, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Transport Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs) and partners in the U.S., such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice, the program can ensure a holistic approach to managing cross-border threats and risks affecting Canada and Canadians.

Planning Highlights

	Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($000s)
	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14
Full Time Equivalents	18	19	19
Planned Spending	2,236.5	2,246.5	2,230.9

Expected Result

Expected Result	Performance Indicators	Targets*
Secure borders that facilitate legitimate trade and travel	Percentage of border wait times standards that are achieved	TBD
	Number of inadmissible individuals refused entry and/or removed from Canada	TBD
	Percentage of goods examined that results in an enforcement action	TBD

* Target sources to be defined by the Canada Border Services Agency

A border that is secured against threats, and open to legitimate trade and travel, is critical for the safety and economic well-being of all Canadians. Modern border programming provides Canadians with security from threats ranging from organized crime and terrorism, to unlawful immigration and dangerous imports.

In 2011-12, Public Safety Canada will advance the formal implementation of the ‘Shiprider’ ^[7] Framework Agreement which forms part of the Government’s ongoing priority to work with the U.S. to protect Canadians from threats, and to promote the free-flow of legitimate trade across shared borders. In addition, the Department will advance discussions with the U.S. on the next generation of Integrated Cross Border Law Enforcement operations which will focus and build on the underlying concepts of the Shiprider Framework Agreement to land based operations. These initiatives will be advanced through the Cross Border Crime Forum (CBCF), which is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to working with the U.S. to combat crime at shared borders. The CBCF aims to resolve cross-border law enforcement, justice operational and policy impediments; identifies transnational crime trends and threats; as well as develops and implements bilateral programs to respond to evolving organized crime tactics/methods at the border. The next CBCF will be hosted by Canada and is expected to be held in Fall 2011.

The Department will further progress key border initiatives previously announced with the U.S. including: the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Agreement on Emergency Management Cooperation; and the Canada-U.S. Framework on the Movement of Goods and People Across the Border During and Following an Emergency. The Department will also undertake collaborative projects aimed at increasing the safety and security of cross-border assets and systems through the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure. Recognizing that Canada’s national security and economic stability depend on cross-border critical infrastructure, the implementation of these initiatives will contribute to a safer and more resilient Canada. In addition, progress toward enhancing the resilience of cross-border collaboration on critical infrastructure will be measured through the preliminary critical infrastructure resilience index.

This year, the Department will facilitate two formal bilateral meetings between the Minister of Public Safety and the Secretary of Homeland Security; provide leadership and support to Government of Canada partners on horizontal policy development; and collaborate with the U.S. on border security. Bilateral meetings facilitate the strategic engagement of the U.S. on issues that support Canada’s security and prosperity. The Department will continue to provide leadership and support to the Government by coordinating horizontal policy and planning for security and economic activities related to border policy, including ongoing work to respond to the U.S. Secure Flight program. Furthermore, Public Safety Canada leads the development of a robust border agenda with the U.S. and is the primary interlocutor with the Department of Homeland Security. In 2011-12, the Department will work with U.S. officials to exchange best practices on citizen engagement and countering violent extremism. Efforts will also include examining potential areas of cooperation for international security sector capacity building.

Countering Crime

D

Crime continues to be a significant preoccupation among Canadians and they recognize the importance of the federal government’s role in responding to crime issues across the country. This program activity provides federal policy leadership, coordination and program support on a continuum of activities related to the prevention of crime, the enforcement of law, and the rehabilitation of those who have committed criminal offences. The intent of this program activity is to reduce the likelihood of criminality working in close collaboration with partners in the provinces and territories to design and deliver programs that are specific and appropriate to regions and communities.

Benefit to Canadians

The Countering Crime program activity contributes to building a safe and resilient Canada by developing and disseminating knowledge of effective practices to prevent offending among targeted groups of the population. Public Safety Canada achieves this by supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of selected community-based projects that address known risk factors related to offending.

Further through various activities, the Department works to help ensure that Canada has safe communities and effective policing. By leading collaborative efforts with Portfolio agencies and federal, provincial, territorial and international partners in the law enforcement community, it develops effective policies and law enforcement tools that assist in the fight against serious and organized crime, and support the operation and accountability of Canada’s national police force – the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Department also recognizes the unique public safety challenges associated with some First Nation and Inuit communities by providing financial contributions for increased accessibility to dedicated, culturally-appropriate and responsive police services through the First Nations Policing Program.

Additionally, the Department works with the Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board of Canada to help ensure the safe and effective reintegration of eligible offenders into Canadian communities. The Department continually examines existing legislation to determine its relevancy, need for modification or if new legislative tools are necessary to better protect Canadians. In addition, the Department manages programs that build capacity and assist in the effective community management and reintegration of eligible offenders.

Planning Highlights

	Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($000s)
	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14
Full Time Equivalents	247	251	252
Planned Spending	191,401.3	190,175.8	190,319.2

Expected Results

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadian communities are safe	Percent of Canadians that feel safe in their communities	=64% by 2014*
Safe and effective reintegration of eligible offenders into Canadian communities	Rate of return to federal custody for a violent conviction within 5 years of warrant expiry	TBD
	Rate of return to federal custody for a non-violent conviction within 5 years of warrant expiry	TBD

* In 2009, 64% of Canadians believed that crime in their neighbourhood remained unchanged or decreased over the previous five years. ^[8]

In 2011-12, the Department will develop evidence-based best practices through empirical studies to improve offender assessment tools and intervention practices to reduce offender recidivism and enhance public safety. The projects funded under the National Crime Prevention Strategy will contribute to reducing offending and recidivism among at-risk groups of the population.

Public Safety Canada will advance the ratification of the Police Services Agreements with eight provinces, three territories and 180 municipalities, as well as co-lead the preparation and implementation of the new agreements. It will continue to provide sound advice to support the Minister in his responsibilities for the RCMP, as well as continue providing a leadership role to strengthen RCMP accountability and its complaints regime through Bill C-38. The legislation, Ensuring the Effective Review of the RCMP Civilian Complaints Act, was introduced in Parliament in June 2010 and outlines measures to strengthen the oversight of the RCMP and improve the transparency and accountability of investigations of serious incidents involving RCMP members. In addition, the Department will continue to support the RCMP, and others, on initiatives associated with the governance and management of the national police force, For example the Department will support the Minister as legislation advances to modernize the RCMP’s labour relations framework (Bill C-43: RCMP Modernization Act).  

Regarding the fight against organized crime, Public Safety Canada will work with its federal-provincial-territorial colleagues to advance the National Workplan to Combat Organized Crime and the National Research Agenda. It will also focus on amending legislation to modernize the Witness Protection Program and implementing program enhancements to improve the effectiveness of the federal program. Also, the Department will work towards strengthening efforts to combat contraband tobacco issues by leading the Canadian delegation in global negotiations for a protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products under the WHO framework of tobacco control; and by continuing to lead the Federal Task Force on Illicit Tobacco Products to explore policy, program, regulatory and legislative options to help disrupt and reduce the trade in contraband tobacco.

Furthermore, Public Safety Canada will continue to lead the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, as well as support initiatives to advance knowledge of child sexual exploitation on the internet and human trafficking in Canada. This includes a partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, which manages Cybertip.ca ^[9], and with the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association to deliver its Blue Blindfold ^[10] anti-human trafficking campaign. 

Another area of importance in the fight against organized crime is the administration of National Police Services (NPS), under which the RCMP delivers a number of specialized services to assist Canada’s law enforcement community (such as forensic analysis of criminal evidence, criminal record information and identification services). In 2011-12, the Department will work with the RCMP to address the recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General’s Status Report on the NPS, expected in Spring 2011.

Public Safety Canada will continue to work with the RCMP and the provinces and territories to strengthen the framework for DNA analysis in Canada. As committed in Budget 2010, the Department will undertake a study to explore alternative service delivery models for the RCMP forensic laboratory services. The study examines the current forensic systems within Canada; explore international methods of service delivery for forensic services; and develop proposed alternative services delivery options, including privatization, that are appropriate for consideration in the Canadian context. As the study progresses, the Department will consult with the provinces and territories as well as report on its preliminary results, anticipated by late 2011. 

Public Safety Canada will continue to advance initiatives associated with firearms compliance measures; continue to provide research, analysis and advice on the legislative and regulatory framework for firearms in Canada; and work with federal partners to address information sharing issues in relation to the importation and exportation of firearms.

Last year, Public Safety Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice, approved national guidelines on the use of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) and a national research agenda to advance evidence-based knowledge regarding CEWs. The guidelines support the development of CEW policies and practices critical to addressing the public's confidence in law enforcement’s use of this tool. In 2011-12, the Department will continue to collaborate with the federal-provincial-territorial CEW working group to advance work on the research agenda focusing on CEW testing procedures, medical research and development of a less-lethal weapons approval process.  

The Department will lead the renewal of the International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program ^[11] and the implementation of the management action plan that stem from an evaluation of the program and Canadian Police Arrangement framework.

In 2011-12, the Department will proceed with correctional legislative reform proposals to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of corrections and conditional release; enhance the International Transfer of Offenders Act; strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry; and effectively implement the National Flagging System (NFS). The purpose of the NFS is to identify and track high-risk, violent offenders who pose a risk of re-offending and to facilitate appropriate prosecution and sentencing. Also, the Department will continue to provide victims information through the National Office for Victims (NOV) which serves as a central resource offering information and support on federal corrections issues. The NOV provides a leadership role on inter-departmental and inter-jurisdictional issues related to victims as well as develops information products for dissemination to victims, victim service providers and the general public.

The Department is committed to enhancing public safety in First Nation and Inuit communities by building and maintaining relationships, as well as negotiating and renewing policing agreements set to expire on March 31, 2011. Through the First Nations Policing Program, the Department provides funding on a cost-shared basis with provinces and territories. The Department will use quantitative data and qualitative indices to measure and report on the number of First Nation and Inuit communities that have access to the FNPP; the number of agreements under the FNPP; the number of funded police officer positions; and the total population served by these agreements.

Emergency Management

D

Without an all-hazards emergency management program, Canadians would be more vulnerable to a range of threats and disasters, and federal/provincial/territorial governments would be unable to plan for, and respond to, emergencies in a coordinated and systemic manner. Public Safety Canada works to protect Canada and Canadians by providing national leadership and setting a clear direction for emergency management for the Government of Canada as stipulated in the Emergency Management Act of 2007. This is achieved through emergency management policy and planning, provision of training and exercises and research activities that support a unified emergency management system. The Department develops and maintains the federal government’s capacity to manage emergencies, monitors and coordinates the federal response and provides support to provinces and territories when federal assistance is needed. The Department also promotes public awareness of emergency management to Canadians and businesses directly. Working closely with international counterparts, federal departments, provinces, territories, the first responder community and industry to address all hazards (natural, technological and human induced), this program aims to foster a safe and resilient Canada through policy and program coordination across the four pillars of emergency management: prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Benefit to Canadians

The Emergency Management program activity provides strategic direction and the coordination of emergency management activities before, during and after emergencies, ensuring that Canadians are better protected from major disasters, accidents and intentional acts, thereby contributing to a safe and resilient Canada.

Planning Highlights

	Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($000s)
	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14
Full Time Equivalents	287	286	286
Planned Spending	159,226.9	155,173.1	153,804.4

Expected Results

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadians are prepared and can respond to major disasters, accidents and intentional acts	Number of individuals impacted by major disasters, accidents and intentional acts	Baseline TBD
	Cost incurred by Canadians from major disasters, accidents and intentional acts	Baseline TBD

Public Safety Canada develops national policies, response systems and standards to reduce the impact of emergencies that can affect Canada, Canadians and its infrastructure. This includes national leadership, enhancing the Government’s readiness to respond to all types of emergencies; improving information sharing and collaboration with other levels of government, as well as the private sector; enhancing interoperability within federal departments and agencies, other levels of government, and emergency responders and practitioners.

The Department contributes to a safe and resilient Canada by developing an effective policy framework under the authorities of the Emergency Management Act (2007); directing other federal institutions in addressing respective areas of risk; and collaborating with a broad range of domestic and international emergency management stakeholders. Further to the Fall 2009 Auditor General Report recommendations and the implementation of an emergency planning guide and related training, the Department will support federal institutions in meeting their responsibilities under the Act, while organizations prepare and maintain their mandate-specific emergency management plans. These guides provide the framework for federal government institutions to undertake an all-hazards risk assessment and planning activities within the four pillars of emergency management: mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

Public Safety Canada operates the Government Operations Centre (GOC), a 24/7 facility which gathers and analyses information from a wide variety of sources, maintaining contact with the provinces and territories as well as international partners such as the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This year, the Department will develop an implementation plan to ensure that the GOC is able to fulfill its mandate and conducts regular horizontal exercises to test the state of readiness, in order to assure Canadians of the Government’s ability to provide a swift and effective response to emergencies.

In 2011-12, national approaches will also be developed to enhance resilience, such as the strategy and action plans for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives as well as Interoperability. A self-assessment tool will be used by federal institutions to measure the extent to which the organization conforms to the guidance provided in the emergency management planning guide, which includes sections on risk assessment and the development of an emergency management plan.

An emergency management system should keep citizens safe and with increasingly complex threats and risks (i.e. terrorism, pandemics, etc.), this system must be coordinated within and among jurisdictions to minimize the impact of emergencies. In collaboration with the provinces, territories, and other federal institutions, the Department will provide emergency management training to help plan for and respond to emergencies. Additionally, the Department will continue to promote a national approach to emergency management through the development and adoption of common standards and best practices to strengthen interoperability across jurisdictions and disciplines. It is also increasing regional capacity by working to improve the facilities; ensuring compliance with accommodations standards over a multi-year period; and undertaking the secure facilities/secure communications project.

In 2011-12, the Department will continue to raise the emergency preparedness of Canadians through the “72 Hours…Is Your Family Prepared?” social marketing campaign.

Internal Services

D

As an integral part of the PAA, Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that support the work of other program activities. It provides key corporate services, including: management and oversight, communications, legal, human resources, financial management, information management and information technology, contracting and material management, security and others.

Planning Highlights

	Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($000s)
	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14
Full Time Equivalents	415	420	419
Planned Spending	51,053.2	50,389.1	49,180.0

Note: In addition to the standard services, Internal Services also provides coordination and support for the Portfolio and in 2011-12, the Department will continue its efforts to realign programs currently within Internal Services.

Planning Highlights

Public Safety Canada is a participant in the FSDS and contributes to Theme IV Greening Government Operations (GGO) target areas: Surplus Electronic and Electrical Equipment; Printing Unit Reduction; Paper Consumption; Green Meetings; and Green Procurement. Further details on the Department’s GGO activities can be accessed in Section III.

The Internal Services program activity includes planning, developing and managing the implementation and interpretation of policies, procedures and processes in an operational and policy environment that support the achievement of strategic objectives.

After extensive departmental consultations Public Safety Canada recently unveiled its mission, vision and values statement. The statement provides a clear direction for the Department which captures its values; as well as its roles and responsibilities. In 2011-12, Public Safety Canada will reinforce its mission, vision and values by integrating consideration of its statement into daily activities; having open dialogue sessions between managers/employees; including commitments into performance management agreements; as well as distributing low cost, high visibility promotional products.

The Department will also implement a FPT relations strategic framework to better support senior management in the prioritization of intergovernmental activities. Through an established mechanism to identify priorities, this framework contributes to a more focused, coherent and integrated approach to intergovernmental affairs.

Using its International Strategic Framework, the Department will undertake international engagements necessary to fulfill its commitments and operational priorities. Domestic public safety priorities (e.g. countering organized crime, terrorist threats, and illegal migration to Canada) will be advanced through international partnerships and capacity building initiatives. Coordination and coherence of international policy development and engagement that spans two or more departmental program activities or portfolio agencies will be promoted, as well as contribute to evidence-based policy analysis regarding its past and potential international activities.

The Department’s first Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) was recently approved and this year marks its initial effort to systematically measure progress against each expected result identified in the PMF. Public Safety Canada will be instituting new measurement practices to assess its performance against indicators that were never gathered before. Measurement challenges and lessons learned are expected to be identified as the Department begins to measure its performance. Linkages will need to be created across the Portfolio to ensure a consistent approach in the way areas of shared accountability are being measured. Lastly, the PMF will serve as a foundational piece in expanding a risk management culture by linking risks to programs’ expected results.

This year, the Department will also continue pursuing the development of performance indicators for the Internal Services program activity. This allows greater integration of information from various sources and benchmarking against trends across government.

In 2011-12, Public Safety Canada will strengthen internal support functions particularly on Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) Infrastructure, by building a responsive, inclusive and representative corporate infrastructure required of a lead security agency. The Department will collaborate with its partners to identify business requirements; appropriate IT solutions and services; and support models to ensure continued success of departmental priorities. Technical support will continue to improve the Department’s security infrastructure notably on perimeter security and the maintenance of a corporate “Protected B” ^[12] capability. Also, an expanded deployment of the departmental Secret Network will increase access to a workable, technical solution while working with secret-level information.

The Department will focus on its duties and obligations pursuant to the Official Languages Act with a particular attention on placing an active offer of bilingual services, promoting linguistic duality and enhancing linguistic minority communities ^[13]. To do so, Public Safety Canada will continue to provide orientation sessions for new employees which incorporate information about individual official language obligations; deliver biannual official language information sessions to employees and managers; assess demand for services in both official languages in designated offices, as per Regulations on Service to the Public; and continue monitoring complaints made to the Commissioner of Official Languages. The Department will also offer information sessions to its managers to ensure their official languages responsibilities are assumed; develop new and analyze existing policies and programs with an official languages perspective; and continue using official language minority media for public communication.

In 2011-12, the Department will work towards establishing a robust talent management program and effective succession planning. Public Safety Canada will strengthen and implement a departmental executive talent management program as well as conduct the annual talent management exercise using the Treasury Board Secretariat’s talent management system.

• Previous Page
• Table of Contents
• Next Page