In general, the Auditor General has been supportive of the government s efforts at improving reporting, while urging it to make faster progress. It views in a favourable light the current proposals, especially the focus on results and result commitments, but some proposals still require further clarification. In their view, the federal government needs to pay more attention to ensuring that the information it provides on results is both reliable and meaningful. Better explanations supported by appropriate evidence on how activities undertaken contribute to the reported results are required. To ensure greater credibility in reporting, it is necessary to have more balanced reporting that discusses problem areas and what is being done to improve them.
Improved information is needed on costs associated with the results the government is achieving.
It was not clear whether the submitted proposals were directed solely to government departments, or whether they extended to other federal entities such as boards, agencies, crown corporations, and other federal government entities. That the government explore the possibility of consolidation of the reporting of activities, programs, or services that span more than one department into a single heading. That the government should apply the proposed requirements to government departments or extend to all types of government entities. That the Estimates should contain full disclosure of all relevant information concerning activities, programs or services, including commentary on such matters as the creation of new programs, the modification of existing programs, the infusion of new funding, or other changes to programs resulting from public policy decisions. 8 Don Lenihan, Improved Reporting to Parliament Project Phase 2 Draft Proposals, Centre for Collaborative Government, May 31st ,2000, page 7.