Supplementary Information Tables: 2012–13 Departmental Performance Report

Response to Parliamentary Committees

Standing Committee on Health

Focussing on the Brain: An Examination of Neurological Disease in Canada

On June 20, 2012, the Tenth Report of the Standing Committee on Health, Focussing on the Brain: An Examination of Neurological Disease in Canada, was tabled in the House of Commons. The report summarized the testimony heard from May 2010 to May 2012 and presented the Committee's findings and recommendations. It contained 12 recommendations on three themes: shifting focus towards the brain as a whole from disease-specific initiatives; promoting neurological research and surveillance in Canada; and improving the quality of life of those with neurological diseases and their caregivers through sharing information and knowledge translation. Four of the 12 recommendations were directed at the GC; four were directed specifically at the Agency focussed on expanding neurological disease surveillance activities and facilitating information sharing; and four were directed at CIHR focused on facilitating neurological disease research.

The Government Response was tabled in the House of Commons on October 18, 2012. The response emphasized that a key federal government role was to support research and knowledge development to fill gaps and build the evidence base to support all jurisdictions in determining how best to approach neurological diseases. The response pointed out that current GC investments are consistent with this role and provided examples that included investments in the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions, the Canada Brain Research Fund, and the International Collaborative Research Strategy on Alzheimer's Disease.

Chronic Diseases Related to Aging and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

On May 18, 2012, the Eighth Report of the Standing Committee on Health, entitled Chronic Diseases Related to Aging and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention was tabled in the House of Commons. The report summarized the Committee's hearings from October 2011 to February 2012 and presented the Committee's findings and six recommendations. Three recommendations included engaging provinces and territories in discussion around a shift towards an interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral model of primary health care. Further recommendations called for a continued support to the research undertaken by CIHR on chronic diseases and for collaborative efforts in the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices for Canadians.

The Government Response was tabled in the House of Commons on August 22, 2012. The response reaffirmed the GC's commitment to working with provinces and territories to maintain a sustainable system to continue to deliver improved patient outcomes as illustrated by the increase in the Canada Health Transfer from $28 billion in 2012–13 to over $40B in 2020–21 as well as the investments in the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program for community-based services which help people living with disabilities, chronic or acute illnesses, and the elderly receive care in their home community. The response also indicated that CIHR's strategic plan, 2009/10 – 2013/14 Health Research Roadmap, reflects the GC's commitment to support health research, including research into chronic diseases and health promotion. In terms of assisting Canadians in making healthy choices, the response highlighted Canada's Food Guide, initiatives to support healthy living (e.g., the Children's Fitness Tax Credit, the Eat Well and Be Active Toolkit), and many national disease and health promotion strategies (e.g., the Integrated Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease, the Canadian Diabetes Strategy and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative).

Response to the Auditor General (including to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)

2012 Fall Report of the Auditor General

Chapter 2 – Grant and Contribution Program Reforms
The overall objective of the audit was to determine if the government adequately implemented the 2008 GC Action Plan to Reform the Administration of Grant and Contribution Programs. The Auditor General selected five federal organizations to assess the implementation of government commitments. These organizations were identified after considering the views of subject matter specialists, past audit coverage, and an analysis of grant and contribution expenditures.

The Agency received no recommendations. For more information on this audit, please visit the OAG Web site.

External audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

None.


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