19 October 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) today provided an update regarding its effort to deliver more value for taxpayers’ money. This exercise is one of the many steps the Government of Canada has taken since 2006 to stay focused on the priorities of Canadians and ensure sound management.
“ACOA is streamlining its operations and transforming the way it operates to deliver better programs and results,” said the Honorable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “The Agency is now more efficient and will be in a better position to ensure Atlantic Canada’s economic growth. This is simply sound management and is now the norm for how Government does business to ensure respect for taxpayers’ money.”
ACOA has identified annual ongoing savings of $15.2 million starting in 2013-14. This reduction will occur mainly by making operating costs and internal services more efficient. For example, ACOA has identified significant savings for costs associated with its internal operations, such as improved Web-based tools for clients to access information and do financial transactions, more economical travel choices, limited attendance at conferences and seminars, and reduced hiring of consultants and temporary help.
Productivity and efficiency gains have also resulted in some workforce adjustments, namely the elimination of 42 positions.
Following the parameters of the collective agreements, impacted employees will be given a reasonable opportunity to continue their careers as public servants. They will have access to one of three transitional support options:
• a 12-month period in which to find another position in the Public Service;
• a cash payment tied to years of service (up to one year) upon resignation; or
• a cash payment tied to years of service in addition to an educational allowance (up to $11,000) upon resignation.
Founded in 1987, ACOA is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping Canadians in all parts of the country build strong regional economies through enterprise and community development.
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INFORMATION:
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
613-790-3637
Richard Gauthier
Media Relations
ACOA
506-851-6773
