Canadian Government Executive - Volume 22

May 2016 //

Canadian Government Executive /

Program Evaluation

As an organization outside government supporting and sustain-

ing RBM’s momentum and condi-tions for success, PPX has pro-

vided continuous learning and knowledge sharing opportunities.

Over its 20 years, PPX has organized annual two-day symposia

where senior leaders, academics, and practitioners discussed new

RBM trends and best practices and over 80 half-day Learning

Events involving a wide variety of RBM related topics.

Risks and challenges exist, however, to sustaining the Canadian

public service’s RBM efforts. In the past decade, there has been a

relatively sharp concentration of power and authority at political

levels, reducing the public service’s degree of policy capacity and

autonomy in achieving expected results for Canadians. Reliance

upon Parliamentary committees such as Public Accounts to pro-

vide oversight and accountability of government’s results was cir-

cumscribed. Trust levels between public servants and politicians

have weakened, in turn impacting performance levels. Resources

dedicated to RBM related activities were also streamlined and/

or reduced.

Our newest federal government has clearly signaled its inten-

tions to renew the focus on the con-ditions for RBM’s success, di-

rectly and indirectly, through emphasis on restoring trust within

the public service, an emphasis upon evidence based decision

making and “deliverology” (a strategic focus on best ways to pro-

duce tangible results in policy and delivery). They have restored

transparency and accountability in the public release of Minis-

terial mandate letters that have numerous results expectations

with TB taking a clear lead in overall results management. A com-

mitment has also been made to strengthen the oversight and ac-

countability exercised by Parliamentary committees.

The current government’s resolve to follow through on these

RBM related commitments, while meeting its many other com-

peting priorities will no doubt be tested.

tewart

is a Senior Director (Retired) from the Office

of the Comptroller General of Canada and a long-time board

Member of PPX.

RBM works best when those

charged with delivering results

are supported by systematic

and ongoing means of develop-

ing necessary skills, including

research and continuous

leading-edge training.