Audit of the Regulatory Development Process: chapter 5

Conclusion

Overall, the audit found that ECCC follows a rigorous process for the development of regulatory initiatives, and that the Department complies with the Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management (CDRM). The introduction of a more comprehensive planning and reporting process could assist in tracking the progress of the Department's overall regulatory objectives and priorities, and help mitigate the risk that the Department would not produce timely regulations.

The audit found that the WCR criteria (evidence-based, effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, adaptability) are already covered in the CDRM. While promoting compliance with the Directive in another form, such as the WCR, can be beneficial, it is unclear what exactly is the value-added of the WCR at ECCC and its role is not consistently understood in the Department.