Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Setting Priorities

As part of the 1994-95 O and M review, the committee raised a concern regarding the large number of initiatives proposed by the Financial Management Board Secretariat and its ability to effectively carry out all of those objectives. In reviewing this year's estimates, it is apparent that the FMBS needed to more clearly define priorities.

For example, one year ago, the secretariat was very forceful in its presentation regarding the need for a strong program evaluation unit within the government. Developing an evaluation capacity was highlighted as a priority. The committee agreed that this type of evaluation would ensure an effective use of the limited funds available for government programs and accepted the person years and other funding allocated to this area. However, in this year's budget, the secretariat is reducing the funding committed to evaluation and indicated very slow progress in this area.

The committee is disappointed at this reduction. A thorough evaluation of departmental programs would very likely result in savings and efficiencies far greater than the cost of an adequately-funded evaluation unit. Committee Members strongly suggest that the government reconsider this decision.

Another area identified as being of high priority was the new informatics strategy. This strategy would provide government-wide standards for data processing, storage, and management. However, despite a costly study which consumed a great deal of government staff time, the informatics strategy seems to have lost its initial emphasis. Departments are seeing little or no benefit or improvement from the initial efforts made by FMBS in this area.

While the FMBS tries to carry out a wide range of priorities, it is difficult to see which are more important. As a result, crucial areas, such as collective bargaining, have not received the focused attention from the organization that it should have. Instead, people have been tied up dealing with the many small issues.

Committee Members also urge the secretariat to reduce the number of planned initiatives, and to concentrate on a few priorities which will be of significant benefit to the government as a whole. The secretariat's unique position as a central "super-department" means that its influence is very strongly felt, for better or worse, throughout all government departments.

The government should review the role of the Financial Management Board Secretariat which seems to be overcentralized with too many responsibilities. The results of this review should be available when the new government takes office.

Front-Line Workers Support Program

The committee was pleased to hear that initial work had begun on an assistance program for employees. The need for this type of program was recommended by the Special Committee on Health and Social Services and this committee supports that recommendation. Members believe employee assistance programs are crucial, particularly for front-line workers who deal with the stress of serving our communities. If our teachers, social workers, nurses and other program delivery people are not strong and healthy, they are unable to work with the community.

The committee is concerned that this initiative should be made a priority with front-line workers.