Even here, we are learning the value of partnerships, with experts, universities, and think tanks, to expand our knowledge and policy capacity. We are learning to bring the outside in, and that includes Canadian citizens. For instance, more than 10,000 Canadians were consulted in developing immigration policy. In turn, this consultation developed and established a network of interested citizens. The shift from an emphasis on transactional control to direction and results does not mean that the values of probity and prudence do not continue to be important.
Government has to be accountable and worthy of the public trust.
It does mean the modernization of accountability, focussing on what really matters to Canadians rather than what matters to government officials. That's why we have moved to a system of business plans, performance management and better and more frequent reporting to Parliament. Departments are required to establish, measure and report on performance goals and service standards and are working together to develop government-wide goals and standards. Each department and the government as a whole will have an enhanced accountability for values and results and will operate more transparently than has ever been the case in the past. Our approach to financial accounting is also changing.