PROGRAM REVIEW – A Canadian Case Study J. Bourgon P.C., O.C. Canada, May 2009
Learning From the Past : Growing deficits and debt (1975) Chronic deficit (1978 ) A divergent course (1982) Growth, prosperity (Post-War)
Federal Net Debt
Federal Budgetary Surplus or Deficit
Changing Course : A balanced operating budget, structural reforms and agenda overload Across the board cuts A balanced operating budget ( ) Not enough, not fast enough Structural reforms Canada-USA Free Trade and NAFTA Tax reform Cap on transfers
Federal Net Debt
Federal Operating Surplus or Deficit
Federal Budgetary Surplus or Deficit
Charting a new course The approach One team A free hand No target The process Common guidelines
Program Review Test : Decision Tree Role of Government Test Public Interest Test Federalism TestPartnership Test Efficiency Test Affordability Test Abandon / Transfer
Charting a new course The approach One team A free hand No target The process Common guidelines The machinery DMs committee Cabinet committee PM and Cabinet The chronology
Federal Budgetary Surplus or Deficit
Federal Net Debt
Cumulative Provincial/Territorial Surplus or Deficit
Changes in Federal Department Spending Realtive to
Public Service Employment
PROGRAM REVIEW – A Canadian Case Study