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November 1, 2007
Premier improves transparency of agencies, boards and commissions
Task force report complete; Stelmach outlines next steps
Edmonton... Premier Ed Stelmach is taking the next step to improve the transparency and accountability of the government’s agencies, boards and commissions by acting on recommendations from the task force that he established to review the governance of these agencies.
“Agencies, boards and commissions deliver a significant amount of work on behalf of the government,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “For that reason, I am committed to putting the recommendations into action and moving forward with a keen eye on transparent and effective government.”
The government has accepted the report and will implement the recommendations, which include:
- developing broad legislation to guide agency governance and operations;
- creating a classification system for agencies, with corresponding governance practices;
- clarifying mandates and roles of agencies, ministries and government;
- improving agency recruitment processes; and,
- creating a secretariat to provide coordination and leading governance practice support to ministries and agencies.
A governance framework has been drafted that details the next steps to implement each recommendation. Interested parties will be invited to comment on the framework before it is finalized in the coming months. A copy of the task force report, the government’s response and the draft framework are available online at www.agencygovernance.alberta.ca.
The review, headed by Neil McCrank, focused on whether agencies are the right organizational form to provide government services; have clear mandates and understand their roles and responsibilities; and use the best processes to recruit the right people with the right skills to serve on boards. The two other task force members were Alan Tupper and Linda Hohol.
“I would like to thank the task force for their dedicated and thorough work throughout the review,” said Premier Stelmach. “The outcomes will have a lasting impact that will benefit all Albertans.”
During the review process, participants were asked to comment on essential elements of good governance, roles and responsibilities, appointments, and accountability mechanisms. They also commented on common governance problems and how best to implement an effective agency governance framework in Alberta.
Premier Stelmach has led other changes to improve government transparency and accountability which include: introducing legislation for a lobbyist registry, implementing democratic reforms such as all party committees of the legislature, and making more routine government information available on-line.
Attachment: Backgrounder - summary of government’s response
Media enquiries may be directed to:
| Paul Stanway Office of the Premier 780-422-5965 |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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Summary of government response
Task Force recommendation |
Government response |
Proposed action |
Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act: The Government of Alberta should recognize the importance of agencies by passing, as a priority, an Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act to institutionalize a governance framework for agencies that provides clear agency mandates and a competence-based appointment process |
Accept |
Develop an appropriate legislative framework for consideration. |
Agency establishment processes: The Government of Alberta should establish a more rigorous process for the establishment of agencies, boards and commissions. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Agency inventory: The Government of Alberta should establish and maintain an agency inventory. The inventory should be reviewed regularly to ensure agency mandates are relevant and agencies continue to effectively perform the function for which they were established. |
Accept |
The inventory created by the task force will be expanded and maintained by the Agency Governance Secretariat. |
Classification: The Government of Alberta should adopt a functional classification system of agencies with five broad groups: regulatory/adjudicative agencies, public trusts, corporate enterprises, service delivery agencies and advisory agencies. |
Accept |
Adopt the task force classification system and refine good governance practices to suit each category. |
Roles and responsibilities: The Government of Alberta should ensure that the mandates, roles and responsibilities of the government and its agencies are clearly understood. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Government representation on boards: The Government of Alberta should not appoint elected or senior government officials to the governing bodies of agencies. |
Modify |
Due to the nature of some boards, elected or senior officials will be appointed when their input is important for the agency to achieve its mandate. |
Appointments: The Government of Alberta should use a transparent, non-partisan and competence-based appointment process for the appointment of directors to agencies. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Diversity of appointments: Theappointment to agencies process should recognize the diversity of Alberta’s population and, as a priority, undertake active recruitment to this end. |
Accept |
Diversity will be one component in a process in which competence is of paramount importance. |
Fixed terms: Agencies should have fixed terms of office for their directors, which may be renewed based on performance to a maximum of 10 consecutive years. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Orientation and Education: The Government of Alberta should ensure that those involved in agency governance have access to high quality orientation and development programs. Programs will emphasize the unique characteristics of effective agency governance in the public sector. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Code of Conduct and Ethics: Each agency should have an appropriate code of conduct, including conflict of interest disclosure, for all directors. Directors should ensure there are appropriate codes of conduct, conflict of interest disclosure practices and safe disclosure practices for agency staff. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Evaluations: In addition to overall agency evaluation, all agencies should carry out evaluations related to board and director performance. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Remuneration: The Government of Alberta should establish an appropriate, fair and transparent remuneration policy, that attracts diverse and talented people. Remuneration of directors and CEOs should be disclosed to the public. |
Accept |
The secretariat will work with Corporate Human Resources to determine if the existing policy requires further consideration. |
Committees: Boards should establish appropriate committees that support their oversight responsibilities including, at a minimum, an audit committee. |
Accept |
Incorporate into the framework. |
Agency Governance Secretariat: The Government of Alberta should establish an Agency Governance Secretariat within Executive Council to provide coordination and operational support, and to promote continuous improvement in good governance. |
Accept |
Establish the Agency Secretariat for the framework implementation and ongoing governance support to all agencies and ministries. |
Media enquiries may be directed to:
| Paul Stanway Office of the Premier 780-422-5965 |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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