Corporate Management and Direction

Expected Outcome

Performance Summary – We have mostly met our Anticipated Result, as demonstrated by the following performance against expectations:

• Received a grade “A” from the Information Commissioner for excellent compliance in responding to ATIP requests
• demonstrated transparency in published communications with Canadians, Parliament, and other levels of Government
• expanded our legal awareness training and developed a Management of Protected Client Information policy to promote the protection of the confidentiality of client information
• however, review of adherence to security protocol identified areas for improvement

In 2002-2003, the Access to Information Act (ATIP) requests received by the CCRA increased by 32% (1,009 to 1,337). We responded to 96% of these requests on time. Requests under the Privacy Act increased by 22% (2,118 to 2,593), and we responded to 96% of these requests within the legislative time frame in 2002-2003.

Based on these results, the CCRA received an “A” from the Information Commissioner of Canada for our performance. This is the highest attainable grade and signifies excellent compliance by meeting the external standard of “responding to 95% of the information requests within the legislated time frame.”

Protection of confidentiality of client information is a legislated requirement. Through the legal awareness program of the Department of Justice, Legal Services provided training sessions in key areas of law. Legal Services' advice and legal opinions, provided on aspects of operations and policies help us meet legislative requirements in a sound, balanced and risk-sensitive manner.

Our on-going Risk Management Assessment and recent events occurring after the period covered by this Annual Report have highlighted the need to review and enhance the CCRA's information security policy guidelines and practices. A review of security policies will be undertaken to identify areas for improvement. As well, we established the Policy on the Management of Protected Client Information (MPCI), and developed support products such as an internal website called the Roadmap to Protected Client Information.

Our commitment to provide Canadians with better information quality was also demonstrated by our transparency in reporting about our performance. Our Corporate Business Plan and Annual Reports represent an objective view of our performance by discussing not only our major successes but also the areas where we require improvement. As noted in the Office of the Auditor General's assessment of our performance last year, the CCRA has described problems and challenges it has faced, and has discussed situations where performance has not met objectives.

3-1 Responses within legislated time frame

Date modified:

2003-10-29