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SECTION 2: ANALYSIS OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES BY STRATEGIC OUTCOME

2.1 Strategic Outcome

A highly efficient, impartial and rules-based international trade dispute resolution process that benefits Canadian exporters to NAFTA countries, as well as NAFTA country exporters doing business in Canada.

Our strategic outcome is directly aligned with one of the Government of Canada’s outcomes, which is “A Strong and Mutually Beneficial North American Partnership”.

2.2 Program Activity

The NAFTA Secretariat, Canadian Section, has two program activities:

administration of international trade dispute settlement mechanisms; and

internal services

The following sub-sections describe our program activities and identify the expected results, performance indicators and targets associated with them.  Additionally, information on financial and non-financial resources is presented for each program activity explaining how the Canadian Section fulfills its mandated responsibilities and performance commitments.

2.2.1 Program Activity: administration of international trade dispute settlement mechanisms

Table 1: Priorities by Program Activity

Expected Results of Program Activity	Performance Indicators	Target
Improved administrative support to panels and committees to ensure a just, speedy and cost effective dispute settlement process.	Consistent and immediate availability of accurate, complete and relevant information to support panel proceedings.	At least 80% or more of clients indicating that they are fully satisfied with the information support provided to them.
	Quality of procedural advice and guidance provided to panelists and participants on dispute settlement procedures.	At least 80% or more of clients are satisfied with the procedural advice and guidance provided to them.
Foster effective collaboration in the administration of panel and committee proceedings between delivery partners.	Extent of cooperation and joint undertakings with other national sections in the administration of panel proceedings.	Harmonized administrative practices.
	Effective participation in the NAFTA Chapter 19 Operation Working Group Meetings to influence outcomes.	Active participation.

The two tables below show information on planned spending on financial and human resources associated with our key program activity over the coming three-year period. 

Financial Resources and Human Resources

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2009-10	2010-11	2011-12
1,815	1,815	1,815

Human Resources (FTEs)
2009-10	2010-11	2011-12
6	6	6

Program Activity Summary

This is the key program activity of the Canadian Section, which includes procedural advice and guidance, case management, administrative, technical and logistical support to panels and committees and collaboration with the U.S. and Mexican Sections in the joint administration of panels as well as in the joint development of policies and programs aimed at uniform practices.

Planning Highlights

In order to achieve the strategic outcome, the Canadian Section will continue its collaborative endeavours with the other national sections in the administration of panels as well as in joint development of policies and programs aimed at facilitating the operations of the dispute resolution process.  During the planning period, we will also continue to provide improved support to panels in the areas of case management and procedural guidance.  As well, we will continue to improve on our administrative, technical and logistical support in the administration of trade disputes.

Benefits for Canadians

When NAFTA was implemented 15 years ago, it created the world’s largest free trade area, which now links over 440 million people in an area which produces more than $12 trillion worth of goods and services.  During the past 15 years, NAFTA partners have been conducting business within a framework that is open and governed by clear rules and accessible enforcement mechanisms with the goal of greater economic integration and cooperation.  The dispute settlement mechanism, which the NAFTA Secretariat administers, underscores the rule of law and makes the trading system more secure and predictable.

2.2.2 Program Activity – Internal Services

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization.  These groups are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services.  Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not those provided specifically to a program.

Financial Resources and Human Resources

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2009-10	2010-11	2011-12
1,200	1,200	1,200

Human Resources (FTEs)
2009-10	2010-11	2011-12
6	6	6

Program activity summary and Highlights

The Canadian Section is committed to strengthening its management practices in order to advance its management priorities.  In 2009–2010, work will continue on government-wide management priorities, including Public Service Renewal, information management (IM) and the Treasury Board Policy suite renewal.  Hence, the management agenda will continue to place priority on ensuring that a strong stewardship framework is in place and adhered to within the Canadian Section.

The highlights of the Internal Services program activity include continued use of the integrated business and human resources planning, strengthening compliance and eliminating shortcomings.  To improve financial management control, we will promote more accurate financial reporting and analysis for informed decision making purposes.

ANNEX A

HOW TO CONTACT US

Contacts and other relevant information:

NAFTA Secretariat, Canadian Section
90 Sparks Street, Suite 705
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5B4
Tel: (613) 992-9388
Fax: (613) 992-9392
Web Site: http://www.nafta-alena.gc.ca

The NAFTA Secretariat, Canadian Section:

Anne McCaskill	Canadian Secretary	(613) 992-9382
Judy Thériault	Executive Assistant	(613) 992-9382
Daniel Plourde	Deputy Secretary	(613) 992-9383
Maya Ali Adib	Financial Analyst	(613) 992-9385
Christine Allain	Receptionist	(613) 992-9388
Feleke Bogale	Registrar	(613) 992-9384
Darryl Dass	Systems Manager	(613) 947-9311
Renée Lagacé	Deputy Registrar	(613) 992-8325
Collette Lavallée	Compensation and Administrative Officer	(613) 943-7832
Marie-France Meunier	Information Management Officer	(613) 992-2303
Isabelle Costa Rego	Administrative Clerk	(613) 992-9386
Vacant	Counsel	(613) 944-1651

** Our e-mail addresses:  given name, dot and last name followed by: @nafta-alena.gc.ca (e.g.: daniel.plourde@nafta-alena.gc.ca).

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