Program Analysis Reports Released

PRIORITIES/PLANNING SECRETARIAT-Program Analysis Reports Released

Two reports detailing elements of the government's Program Analysis and Options process have been released.

A report titled Charting the Course: The Framework of Program Analysis lists 1,128 government programs and identifies those that have been eliminated or changed as a result of the Program Analysis exercise.

"This is the first time in the province of Nova Scotia that such a detailed examination of government programs has been undertaken," said Ron Russell, Minister responsible for the Priorities and Planning Secretariat. "Now that the results to date have been compiled in this document, more information than ever before on the operations and changes underway in government is available in an accessible form. That demonstrates this government's commitment to openness and accountability."

About one-quarter, or 325, of the inventory's 1,128 programs had funding reductions or were eliminated. Another 116 programs have been changed, and 94 programs saw funding increases, reflecting government priorities. No changes were made to 593 programs in this phase of the Program Analysis process.

"This program inventory details where taxpayers dollars are spent, as well as the costs associated with delivering programs and services," said the minister. "The process is one which will help government to better respond to the evolving needs of Nova Scotians. The inventory will help us to identify those programs that might be better delivered by another means, and it will help us monitor both the costs of, and the return on investment in programs."

This is the first time a review of Nova Scotia government programs of this magnitude and scope has been undertaken. In the next phase of Program Analysis, the inventory will change as existing programs are further unbundled into their component parts, and agencies, boards and commissions are also reviewed.

Mr. Russell said that Program Analysis would continue to evolve.

"Program Analysis will be used as a long-range planning tool, so it is important to note that this program inventory will never be finalized. It will always be a snapshot in time -- changing as programs are changed, added or eliminated."

The second report, Charting the Course: Suggestions for Reform from across the Nova Scotia Public Service, summarizes the more than 500 recommendations received by government from provincial employees on how to improve government operations.

"We asked for suggestions and recommendations from our employees, and their response was tremendous," Mr. Russell said. "This document demonstrates our commitment to involve employees in the process of government in Nova Scotia."

Employees were invited to submit suggestions to the deputy minister of Priorities and Planning. The Priorities and Planning Secretariat also established a dedicated e-mail address and an electronic bulletin board to allow employees to make suggestions. Both of these methods allowed staff the ability to submit their ideas in anonymity. Additionally, deputy ministers in each department made formal requests for input from staff.

The minister said the employee suggestion document was part of the government's broader plan to change the way government conducts its business. Some of the suggestions have been recommended for immediate action as soon as restructuring begins, the minister said. The remaining ideas will be referred to the appropriate departments for consideration and implementation throughout the restructuring process. Mr. Russell said the government will report on how it used and implemented the suggestions in October.

"Providing good leadership is not always about taking charge," the minister said. "Sometimes listening to your team is the best way to lead them forward."

Both reports are available on the Nova Scotia government website at www.gov.ns.ca .