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FINDING SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

OUR PROCESS

Our process helps Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.

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We rigorously research and conduct high quality analysis on issues of sustainable development. Our thinking is original and thought provoking.

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We convene opinion leaders and experts from across Canada around our table to share their knowledge and diverse perspectives. We stimulate debate and integrate polarities. We create a context for possibilities to emerge.

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Home / Corporate Reporting / DPR – 2004-2005 – Index / DPR – 2004-2005 – Section 2-4

DPR – 2004-2005 – Section 2-4

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2.4 Improving Performance

The NRTEE strives to measure, understand and improve its performance on a continuous basis. This section looks both backwards and forwards along the timeline so as to report on the actions taken to improve our performance both now and into the future.

2.4.1 Looking back: Did we do better?

In the DPR 2003-2004, we noted three areas for improved performance. These areas, together with actions undertaken to improve performance, are noted below.

Areas for Improvement 2003-2004 DPR

Action Undertaken

The NRTEE should be more targeted in its Greening of Budget submissions.

The 2005 Federal Budget submission was rationalized and more narrowly focused than in previous years. It was well received by Finance Canada.

The NRTEE should provide strategic advice for the federal government and play an enhanced role in the development of sustainable development policy.

The NRTEE has initiated this process. Recent events clearly indicate that the government is increasingly looking to the NRTEE for advice. A more active role in this area is envisaged as part of a new organizational structure currently being considered.

The NRTEE should increase its contact with senior federal officials.

More efforts were made in this area in 2004-2005. (See Section 2.4.2, above.)

The NRTEE should integrate itself as a key player in sustainable development within the federal system.

The NRTEE's key role in providing advice to the government on climate change will place the agency firmly in the centre of sustainable development issues in the federal system.

2.4.2 Looking ahead: Where can we do better?

Areas for Improvement 2004-2005 DPR

Proposed Action

Stakeholder perceptions of the NRTEE's mandate and responsibilities are not clearly understood. This results in unreasonable expectations, particularly with regard to policy changes in government.

More care and resources will be devoted to establishing and communicating clear, reasonable and honest expectations about what the NRTEE can potentially accomplish.

The experience of the Boreal program reinforced the need for defining program goals and focuses more narrowly, and also for concentrating on aspects that others are not examining.

For any "self-identified" programs, activities will be scoped so that a manageable focus results and it is confirmed that the NRTEE occupies a niche not currently being addressed.

The recent emphasis on producing advice and recommendations has limited the NRTEE's capacity to promote this advice as effectively as possible.

The NRTEE will augment its communications activities and will focus more on promoting its advice through a range of activities, including greater use of members as NRTEE spokespersons in their regions and sectors. The NRTEE will affiliate, facilitate and advocate, as appropriate, to advance its objectives.