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Section II - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome

PCO pursues its strategic outcome through three main functions:

• advice and support to the Prime Minister and to five portfolio ministers (the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Leader of the Government in the Senate, the President of the Queen’s Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Minister of State for Democratic Reform, and the Minister of State and Chief Government Whip), which helps the Government to develop, implement and communicate its agenda, as well as to structure institutions for decision making and delivery of programs; 
• advice and support to the Cabinet and its committees, which helps to ensure effective decision making, integrate policy and program activities across departments, advance the Government’s priorities and legislative agenda in Parliament, and support the collective responsibility of the Government; and
• Public Service leadership and direction, which helps to ensure that the Public Service is responsive to direction from the government of the day and continues to evolve as an effective, professional institution over the long term.

As needed, PCO also provides administrative and organizational support to commissions of inquiry.

All of PCO’s functions and activities are sustained by means of internal services, from information management, financial management and human resources to information technology and security services. 

Program Activities

Five program activities support PCO's main functions and its single strategic outcome.

Program Activity 1.1: Prime Minister and portfolio ministers' support and advice

Description

Financial Resources (thousands of dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Planning Highlights

In 2012-13, plans for the five program sub-activities under Prime Minister and portfolio ministers’ support and advice include the following:

1.1.1 Issues, policies, machinery and appointments

In 2012-13, PCO will continue to provide advice and support for Canada’s Economic Action Plan, thereby helping to ensure that Canada remains one of the world’s top-performing advanced economies. Specifically, PCO will:

• provide advice and support, as well as overall coordination, where appropriate, to facilitate the ongoing implementation of the Government’s economic and fiscal agenda;
• provide advice and support regarding the implementation of the economic and fiscal agenda through legislative initiatives such as: Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act and Bill C-14, the Improving Trade Within Canada Act; and
• provide advice and support to help the Government maintain Canada’s tax advantage by promoting a stable, predictable, low-tax environment.

PCO will also help sustain Canada’s economic recovery by supporting the Government’s plan to return to budgetary balance over the medium term. For example, PCO will:

• provide the Prime Minister with economic and fiscal advice to support the Government’s deficit reduction objectives; 
• provide operational advice and support on modernizing public service operations through government-wide service delivery improvements and efficiency measures; and
• support specific proposals to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations identified for implementation in Budget 2012, which includes Administrative Services Review proposals regarding operational efficiencies and service delivery improvements to Canadians.

In addition, PCO will provide targeted advice and support to facilitate the Government’s plan to invest in priority areas that will help the economy continue to grow and create jobs, including: improved skills training, investing in research and development, and cutting red tape. For example, PCO will:

• prepare advice and support on how to lay the foundation for long-term growth by developing a highly skilled and flexible workforce;
• advance proposals on how to expand opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians to fully participate in the economy;
• provide advice on federal-provincial-territorial fiscal arrangements and the economic union;
• give advice and support regarding strategies to promote innovation, jobs, growth and increased profitability in Canada’s traditional industries (including agriculture, fisheries and forestry), within a knowledge economy;
• deliver advice and support on the adoption of new technologies as a means of enhancing economic competitiveness and raising Canadians’ standard of living;
• give advice and support on responsible resource development, including advice and support on developing Canada's resources in a way that protects the environment; and
• prepare advice and support regarding the Government’s priority of cutting red tape by reducing the regulatory burdens on businesses, eliminating ineffective rules and improving government customer service.

PCO will also collaborate in trend monitoring and analytical work to assist the Government in the development and communication of priority items for the forward-looking agenda and for medium-term policy planning. PCO will:

• provide the Prime Minister with timely awareness of significant domestic and international events that could affect Canada’s interests;
• develop both policy-neutral intelligence assessments and policy advice on the implications of domestic and international developments and trends, with a view to assisting the Government with the development and communication of the forward-looking agenda;
• monitor national and global developments and trends with an eye to helping the Government mitigate unwanted consequences for Canada’s economic stability, security and prosperity; and
• provide advice, analysis and support to help ensure that the Government is positioned to respond effectively to emerging issues and crises in the medium term.

In 2012-13, PCO will also engage in a variety of unique, core advisory and supporting activities. For example, PCO will:

• help support and maintain institutions of government by providing advice and support to the Prime Minister regarding his constitutional responsibilities, including advice and support related to the structure of government and machinery changes, particularly as these relate to initiatives to modernize public service operations and achieve efficiencies in government; and
• provide legal advice and support on contentious matters, high profile litigation, and policy initiatives.

Similarly, to help ensure good governance in public sector organizations, PCO will provide advice, support and coordination to the Prime Minister on Governor-in-Council appointments. To this end, PCO will:

• provide advice and support on conducting fair, open and competency-based Governor-in-Council appointment processes and on supporting the development and delivery of responsive, high quality compensation policies and services; and
• provide advice and support regarding strong and competent leadership of federal agencies, tribunals, boards, commissions and Crown corporations, including identifying and recruiting high-calibre candidates and supporting appointees in their understanding of their accountabilities and obligations (e.g., ethical and political guidelines and statutory conflict of interest requirements).

Finally, in 2012-13, PCO will provide advice and support to help advance domestic and social priorities. For example, PCO will:

• build on the work of other departments to provide advice on options for conserving Canada’s natural spaces and protecting the environment, including in Northern Canada;
• provide advice and support on improving access to the workings of government through open data, open information and open dialogue;
• provide advice and support regarding Canadian heritage and identity, including the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Diamond Jubilee, and the integrity of Canadian citizenship; and
• provide advice and support regarding the health and well-being of Canada’s veterans.

1.1.2 International affairs and national security

In 2012-13, PCO will provide expert advice and analysis in areas such as: international trade and security; emerging markets; foreign policy and international affairs; national security, defence and Canadian sovereignty; and emerging national and international security issues and crises. PCO will continue to collaborate closely with internal and external partners to ensure that the Prime Minister receives the best possible advice and support in these areas.

As part of its function of providing advice, analysis and support for the Prime Minister’s role in promoting international trade and security, PCO will:

• support the Prime Minister’s travel to key existing and emerging markets;
• support the Prime Minister, in his contacts with other world leaders, in exercising Canada’s international leadership in economic and security affairs. This includes advancing regional security and economic cooperation in the Middle East;
• support the Prime Minister in promoting trade, travel and economic competitiveness between Canada and the United States, by coordinating the Government’s implementation of the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan;
• provide the Prime Minister with timely, policy-neutral, all-source intelligence assessments of foreign trends and developments that could affect Canada’s foreign policy, trade and security interests. This will include monitoring social, political, security and economic dimensions of events connected with key global actors such as China and India, as well as monitoring developments unfolding in Pakistan, the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere; and
• provide advice, analysis and support regarding Canada’s involvement in the NATO-led training mission in Afghanistan.

Further to this, PCO will help to advance and expand Canada’s trade interests and its access to global markets, with a particular focus on emerging markets. For example, PCO will:

• provide advice and support on expanding access to emerging markets abroad, including China and India, and support the Government’s efforts to launch and complete trade agreements;
• provide advice and support on promoting democratic governance, prosperity, and security in the Americas and support the growth of economic ties with the Americas; and
• provide advice and support on helping Canadian companies to grow by attracting foreign investment.

Additionally, PCO will help to advance Canada’s foreign policy interests and international affairs agenda. PCO will:

• provide advice and support to help advance principled foreign policy, including human rights advocacy;
• provide advice and support regarding Canada’s involvement in foreign aid matters; and
• provide advice and support concerning Canada’s involvement in promoting United Nations sanctions and other measures against Iran in response to Iran’s nuclear program and its ongoing violations of human rights.

PCO will also provide advice on national security and defence policy and will help the Government to deliver on its commitment to defend national sovereignty. For example, it will:

• provide the Prime Minister with military advice and options to protect Canada’s national interests, at home and abroad, in the face of threat and conflict;
• provide advice to the Prime Minister on how to effectively deploy Canada’s resources to assist those in need and on coordinating whole-of-government responses to national and international humanitarian crises and natural disasters (e.g., Haiti, Pakistan or Somalia);
• provide advice and support to the Prime Minister on security aspects of the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan; in particular, help to develop a common, strategic approach to anticipating and addressing shared threats and help to coordinate Canada-United States efforts to strengthen perimeter security;
• provide the Prime Minister with advice and support on protecting the integrity of our immigration system and on strengthening Canada’s ability to detect and prevent human smuggling and illegal migration;
• advance the work of the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Smuggling and Illegal Migration. In particular, PCO will coordinate Canada’s overall strategy to deter and prevent further irregular arrivals of migrant vessels, including through enhanced engagement with international partners; and
• provide advice and support on the development of Canada’s North and on defending Canada’s sovereignty in the North.

Finally, PCO will provide advice, analysis and support to the Prime Minister and portfolio ministers on emerging national and international security issues and crises. For example, PCO will:

• provide the Prime Minister with advice and analysis in defending Canada against national and international security threats and emergencies; and
• keep the Prime Minister informed of emerging and ongoing domestic and international issues and crises.

1.1.3 Intergovernmental affairs

PCO will provide advice, analysis and support to the Prime Minister and portfolio ministers, in particular, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, on the management of the Government’s relationship with the provinces and territories, including around issues linked to fiscal federalism, constitutional and legal matters and Canadian unity.

In 2012-13, PCO will continue to assist the Prime Minister and the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in moving forward with the Government’s economic and fiscal agenda. Specifically, PCO will:

• provide advice and support on the implementation of the Government’s efforts to reduce the deficit across the country; and
• provide advice and support on the engagement of provinces and territories and the coordination of federal, provincial and territorial efforts to restore budgetary balance in the medium term.

In addition, PCO will continue to advise the Prime Minister and the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as departments, on fiscal transfers and intergovernmental arrangements. For example, PCO will:

• provide advice and support on the Government of Canada’s approach to the renewal of major transfers and fiscal arrangements; and
• provide advice and support on the Government of Canada’s approach to federal-provincial-territorial arrangements in a broad range of sectors, such as housing, homelessness, health, immigration, agriculture and infrastructure, and labour market agreements.

1.1.4 Legislation, parliamentary issues and democratic reform

In 2012-13, PCO will provide advice and support to the Prime Minister and portfolio ministers on parliamentary and legislative management and on priority items linked to the Government’s agenda, such as jobs and growth, eliminating the deficit, helping hard-working families, promoting Canadian values and Canada’s interests abroad, protecting the personal safety of our citizens and defending against threats to national security, supporting communities and industries, and promoting integrity and accountability. For example, PCO will:

• provide advice and operational support to the Prime Minister and portfolio ministers on the management of the Government’s overall parliamentary and legislative program;
• provide advice and support regarding legislation to promote jobs and growth, including the implementation of budget measures and trade agreements – examples include Bill C-3, the Supporting Vulnerable Seniors and Strengthening Canada's Economy Act; Bill C-13, the Keeping Canada’s Economy and Jobs Growing Act; Bill C-23, the Canada-Jordan Economic Growth and Prosperity Act; and Bill C-24, the Canada-Panama Economic Growth and Prosperity Act;
• provide advice and support to the Government in managing and achieving legislative initiatives that support victims and law-abiding Canadians, prevent crime, and protect Canada from national security threats like terrorism – examples include Bill C-2, the Fair and Efficient Criminal Trials Act; Bill C-10, the Safe Streets and Communities Act; Bill C-26, the Citizen’s Arrest and Self-defence Act; and Bill S-7, the Combating Terrorism Act; and
• provide advice and support to the Prime Minister and portfolio ministers on the development and implementation of measures to promote integrity and accountability – examples include Bill C-7, the Senate Reform Act; Bill C-20, the Fair Representation Act; and Bill C-21, the Political Loans Accountability Act.

PCO will also support the Government in its effort to fulfill its long-term democratic reform agenda. Specifically, it will:

• provide advice and support in regards to managing and achieving the Government's democratic reform commitments, including legislative initiatives to support Senate reform and strengthening the electoral system.

1.1.5 Prime Minister and portfolio ministers' offices

In 2012-13, PCO will continue to provide support under this sub-activity, which captures funding for the Prime Minister's and portfolio ministers' political offices.

Program Activity 1.2: Cabinet and Cabinet committees' advice and support

Description

Financial Resources (thousands of dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Planning Highlights

PCO’s advice and support to Cabinet and its committees, which covers the full range of policy and operational issues facing the Government, helps to ensure that Cabinet operates in the most efficient and effective manner. Plans for the two sub-activities under Cabinet and Cabinet committees’ advice and support are outlined below:

1.2.1 Operation of Cabinet committees

PCO’s work in support of the operation of Cabinet and its committees facilitates executive-level decision making and helps to maintain the institutions of government. This work includes a variety of activities, such as providing advice and support for Cabinet processes and providing advice to Cabinet committee chairs. For example, in 2012-13, PCO will:

• provide secretariat support to Cabinet by scheduling meetings; inviting participants; proposing agendas; organizing meeting logistics; and coordinating and distributing documents;
• continue to protect the integrity of the decision-making process by supporting the Cabinet and Cabinet committees, ensuring an atmosphere of confidentiality and recording decisions;
• provide advice regarding initiatives designed to improve the efficiency of Cabinet work;
• provide advice and support to ensure that the structures and mandates of Cabinet committees are appropriate to the needs of the Prime Minister and the Government; and
• provide advice and support to ensure that Orders in Council (statutory instruments that allow the Government to legally implement decisions) are managed in accordance with prescribed procedures.

1.2.2 Integration across the federal government

As secretariat to Cabinet, PCO ensures that policy proposals have been thoroughly considered across government. This effort ensures that ministers are presented with integrated advice that takes departmental perspectives into consideration.

Under this sub-activity, in 2012-13, PCO will continue to:

• provide advice to the Prime Minister, portfolio ministers and Cabinet committee chairs on policy and policy proposals and support an integrated approach to decision making and policy development;
• support a variety of deputy ministers’ meetings, including:
  • deputy minister and Clerk meetings (to facilitate the development of  policy positions on specific issues);
  • weekly Deputy Ministers’ Breakfasts (to ensure follow up on the outcomes of Cabinet and Cabinet committee meetings);
  • bimonthly meetings of the Coordinating Committee of Deputy Ministers (to support senior deputies’ discussions of key issues); and
  • Deputy Ministers’ Day-long Sessions (to allow the deputy community to discuss management priorities and policy issues, including policy priorities and medium-term policy development).
• work with departments to advance policy development and to ensure policy coherence within the broader horizontal policy framework;
• work closely with departments and central agencies such as the Department of Finance Canada and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to ensure that policy proposals reflect the Government’s priorities, address fiscal and accountability considerations and maximize efficiencies;
• work closely with the Department of Justice Canada to ensure that policy and legislative proposals are informed by sound legal analyses;
• provide advice and support to ensure that Government decisions are communicated to the appropriate federal government partners, departments and agencies; and
• provide advice and support for the coordination of policy, parliamentary, legislative and other decisions across government departments and assist departments and agencies in implementing Government decisions.

In 2012-13, PCO will also monitor, evaluate and communicate significant developments and trends to help the Government manage and coordinate its response to issues, events and crises as they arise. PCO will:

• foster networks, throughout government and with partners outside of government, to promote the sharing of critical information;
• coordinate the Canadian intelligence assessment community and support interdepartmental committees to maximize the effectiveness of intelligence community resources; and
• coordinate with federal departments and other partners to support Canada’s response to emerging issues, events and crises.

Finally, it is important to note that PCO’s work in support of Cabinet and its committees touches on all priority issues facing the Government. As such, under this Program Activity, PCO helps to advance priority items described in detail under Program Activity 1.1.

Program Activity 1.3: Public service leadership and direction

Description

Financial Resources (thousands of dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Planning Highlights

In 2012-13, PCO will support the Clerk in his role as Head of the Public Service of Canada through two sub-activities: “Renewal and human resources management of the Public Service” and “Management of senior leaders.”

1.3.1 Renewal and human resources management of the Public Service

PCO will support the renewal of the Public Service of Canada by helping to ensure that the fundamentals for Public Service Renewal and excellence in public sector management are in place. This includes strong support for renewal at the departmental level, appropriate attention to strengthening leadership, and keeping the renewal agenda current during times of fiscal restraint. PCO will also engage senior management and others and work with departments to continue streamlining government operations, renew the workforce and modernize the workplace in support of implementing budget reductions. At the same time, PCO will ensure that the Public Service retains the capacity and competencies to continue delivering excellent support to Government and service to Canadians. In 2012-13, PCO will:

• advise the Clerk of the Privy Council and the Associate Secretary to the Cabinet on forward-looking priorities and Public Service management and renewal issues, and on aligning these priorities and issues with efficient and effective public sector spending;
• support efforts to modernize Public Service operations through government-wide service improvements and efficiency measures, such as those arising from the Administrative Services Review;
• advise the Clerk on the development and dissemination of his annual report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada, and on the communication of its key messages;
• support the Deputy Minister Committee on Public Service Renewal;
• support the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee on the Public Service, including the development of the committee’s annual report;
• support the Clerk and the Associate Secretary to Cabinet in improving the reach, impact and scope of outreach, engagement and recognition activities;
• monitor and report on renewal-related activities of departments and agencies and support Management Accountability Framework assessments of departments and agencies;
• provide opportunities, through the organization of multilateral meetings, for the Clerk and his provincial, territorial and international counterparts to share best practices and insights in areas such as Public Service Renewal and the delivery of services to Canadians; and
• provide a range of advice to advance the Government’s Public Service management agenda and to support the Clerk in his role as Head of the Public Service of Canada.

1.3.2 Management of senior leaders

In 2012-13, PCO will continue to support the Clerk in the management of senior leaders in the Public Service of Canada. For example, PCO will:

• provide advice and support on the management of senior personnel, including advice on establishing and administering policies and services that promote high-quality appointments;
• provide advice and support on strengthening leadership capacity in the Public Service of Canada, through promoting effective programs and services for leadership development;
• provide advice and support to the deputy minister Committee of Senior Officials and its sub-committees; and
• provide advice and support regarding existing and future Public Service leadership needs and on succession planning for senior Public Service ranks.

Program Activity 1.4: Commissions of inquiry

Description

Financial Resources (thousands of dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Planned spending under this program activity includes funds for PCO financial and administrative advice as well as funds to support the inquiries themselves.

Planning Highlights

Funding under Commissions of inquiry is made available when a commission is established. In 2012-13, PCO will cover the full operating cost of the following commission of inquiry, which is expected to submit its final report in 2012:

• Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River.

PCO’s financial and administrative support to the above commission will include:

• advice and support related to the organization of the commission;
• advice and support related to administrative and financial services; and
• advice and support related to the resources and guidance available to the commission in accomplishing its mandate.

Program Activity 1.5: Internal services

Description

Financial Resources (thousands of dollars)

Human Resources (FTEs)

Internal services are services that are administered across the organization. Human resources and planned spending for services provided to a specific program area or for costs that can be attributed to particular sub-activities are not included under this program activity.

Planning Highlights

In 2012-13, PCO will continue to promote excellence in its corporate and human resources management. These efforts help PCO to maintain its tradition of providing high quality advice and support to the Prime Minister, portfolio ministers, the Cabinet and Cabinet committees.

In 2012-13, PCO will:

• continue to implement initiatives pertaining to career development, empowerment and innovation and the work environment, such as those described in the Strategic Human Resources Plan for the Privy Council Office 2010-2013;
• modify its evergreen human resources plan to reflect the results of the Public Service Employee Survey (2011) and, in particular, to ensure that PCO’s planned initiatives address emerging workplace issues identified in the survey;
• adjust its human resources plans and initiatives to reflect the federal government’s fiscal restraint measures and to ensure alignment with the PCO Strategy for Workforce Management 2011-2015;
• continue to promote an informed, engaged and values-driven approach in daily work, building on past successes in providing continuous learning opportunities and support for employees. This includes:
  • promoting the Learning Passport initiative and offering a range of in-house training courses and learning events, including armchair discussions and job shadowing;
  • promoting PCO’s successful mentoring and language twinning programs and its leadership program;
  • engaging employees by providing opportunities for coaching and mentoring from leaders through the Young Professionals Network and the Wellness Committee; and
  • providing a supportive workplace.
• launch its new PCO Code on Values and Ethics (approved March 2011), following the launch of the revised Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service;
• continue to promote dialogue on values and ethics through a variety of planned activities, including the following:
  • the work of the PCO Values and Ethics Champion;
  • the engagement of PCO’s Executive Committee;
  • dialogue on values and ethics at management and staff retreats;
  • revisions to PCO’s intranet site;
  • department-wide communiqués to staff; and
  • preparation of a manager’s tool kit to facilitate dialogue with employees.
• integrate effective electronic recordkeeping practices into PCO’s operations in support of effective decision making and a modernized workplace;
• continue to provide internal legal services in support of the department’s corporate, finance and human resources functions and to provide advice on legal and policy issues regarding the protection of Cabinet confidences; 
• improve the PCO Security and Emergency Management Program (which includes: personnel and physical security; information technology, information management and cyber security; business continuity management; emergency management; fire prevention and safety; and occupational health), by:
  • enhancing the readiness posture of building emergency organizations and the emergency operations team;
  • implementing the Departmental Security and Emergency Management Plan;
  • continuing to improve PCO’s resilience by developing competencies required to assure the protection of personnel and the preservation of building and information assets; and
  • supporting the continuity of the Prime Minister’s Office and of PCO critical functions.
• coordinate the implementation of cost containment, strategic review and fiscal restraint proposals;
• advance PCO’s Performance Measurement Framework by introducing one initial outcome-based performance indicator for Program Activities 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3;
• enhance integrated risk management, through broad consultation and improved analysis and evaluation of departmental risks;
• strengthen PCO’s budget forecasting and fiscal management;
• support the implementation of the Shared Services Canada initiative and the migration of PCO’s email delivery system, data centre and network services to Shared Services Canada;  and
• respond to internal and external audit reports.

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