Evaluation of the Hydrological Service and Water Survey: chapter 7

6.0 Recommendations and Management Response

The recommendations of the evaluation of the Hydrological Service and Water Survey program are addressed to the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Meteorological Service of Canada, as the ADM responsible for program management and delivery for both Weather and Environmental Monitoring, and Weather and Environmental Operations.

Recommendation 1: Develop a program logic model and performance measurement strategy for the Hydrological Service and Water Survey (sub-program 1.2.3) to guide performance measurement and reporting. Performance indicators for the program’s principal outputs and expected results have been defined and included in the departmental Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) and program Quality Management System (QMS). However, the program has not confirmed that all relevant Hydrological Service and Water Survey (HSWS) outputs and outcomes have been identified and is not able to readily report on the production of key outputs and results, which limits its ability to report on its performance. There is a need for a logic model of the HSWS (sub-program 1.2.3), which defines clear and realistic outputs and outcomes for which the program can reasonably be held accountable. The logic model should also specify the program’s primary and secondary clients. This will help to clarify Environment Canada (EC)’s specific responsibilities under this program. In addition, the logic model should incorporate longer term, ultimate outcomes to which EC’s program is intended to contribute, along with other players/factors. The model should document the influence of key external players/factors in order to accurately set the context for EC’s activities and intended outcomes including the ultimate aspirational goals. Development of a program logic model and associated performance measurement strategy should aid in reporting on the production of key outputs and progress toward the achievement of intended outcomes.

Management Response to Recommendation 1

The ADM of the Meteorological Service of Canada agrees with the recommendation.

Recommendation 2: Investigate and implement ways to improve the program’s understanding of user needs and demand trends in order to support a risk-based approach for the ongoing management of the network of gauging stations. To supplement the program’s current consultations with its primary users - its Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) partners in the National Hydrometric Program (NHP) - greater breadth and depth of understanding of demand and users will be necessary if the program is to continue to develop its products and services to ensure it maintains its relevance to the Crown under its obligation outlined in the Canada Water Act and other federal mandates.

Management Response to Recommendation 2

The ADM of the Meteorological Service of Canada agrees with the recommendation.

Recommendation 3: Review the current approach to human resource planning and staffing for professional and management positions, and develop an integrated program-wide plan to guide the attraction, retention and deployment of such staff.Maintaining a sufficient level of professional (engineering and scientific) staff and staffing of management positions has been a persistent challenge for the program. The resulting gaps have affected the program’s ability to perform certain key tasks and produce outputs required under transboundary agreements. In this context, an integrated approach to tasks undertaken by professional staff may be more effective than having each region manage their activities and staffing independently. Moving beyond the existing strategic Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) People Plan, this would require integrated planning at a more operational level.

Management Response to Recommendation 3

The ADM of the MSC agrees with the recommendation.