Title of Presentation in Verdana Bold Managing the Government Agenda Priorities and Planning Presentation Canada School of Public Service August 1, 2007

2 Overview Role of Privy Council Office (PCO) Transitions of Government Managing the Government’s Agenda The role of Cabinet

3 Privy Council Office Dual Role  Prime Minister’s department  Cabinet Secretariat Provides strategic policy advice, policy coordination Management of Cabinet  Protects integrity of decision-making  Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings  Advises Cabinet/Committee chairpersons  Records Cabinet decisions and informs the system Ensure coherence with the government’s broad agenda Challenging and enabling departments to achieve their policy and program goals within the government’s broad policy framework

4 PCO Structure Fluid structure flows from its role in supporting PM and Cabinet Basic building blocks are secretariats  each headed by an Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet  grouped into branches headed by a Deputy Secretary  Intergovernmental Affairs is an exception, headed by a DM Roles of secretariats (examples):  support for Cabinet and its committees  advice on appointments, mandates and government organization  legislation and counsel issues  security and intelligence  communications Officers are recruited from line departments and serve in the PCO for a limited period

5 The Clerk of the Privy Council Provides direct support to the PM from the perspective of the values, traditions and the public service Provides advice and support to the PM in areas of special concern to his role as head of government Assists the PM in providing cohesion, support and advice to the Ministry as a whole to ensure that the Cabinet decision-making system operates according to the design of the Prime Minister Serves as the principal link between the PM and the Public Service of Canada Responsible to the PM for the institution’s overall performance and its effective management

6 Transitions of Government – Setting a new government agenda Occur often in the Parliamentary system and vary considerably from transition to transition:  Election of new government (2006)  Re-election of government (2004)  New Prime Minister without election (2003) Critical for Government to quickly establish its control of the agenda – depends on high- quality, public service advice during transition period

7 Transition Stages Pre-election Preparations Election Campaign First Ten Days of Briefing and Decisions Speech from the Throne

8 Advantage Canada: Economic and Fiscal Policy Government Agenda 2007 Crime and Safety Accountability International Leadership Environment More action to protect the environment and the health of Canadians Standing up for Canada’s interests and values on the world stage Making Canada’s institutions more democratic and more accountable Continued efforts to make our streets and communities safer Controlled federal spending Lower taxes Helping families and seniors Restoring fiscal balance Building a stronger economy STRONGER SAFER BETTER

9 Managing the Government’s Agenda Platform Commitments Speech from the Throne Mandate Letters P&P and Cabinet Retreats Agenda Speeches Budgets Ongoing dialogue and discussion

10 The role of Cabinet: Cabinet Committee Structure Cabinet Priorities & Planning Operations Policy Committees Sets Strategic Direction Ratifies Committee Recommendations Considers policy proposals Issues Committee Recommendations Manages/considers emerging issues Manages Parliamentary strategy Manages communications Issues Committee Recommendations Treasury Board

11 Cabinet Forum for collective discussion of important issues facing the Ministry and the country Venue for:  fostering a shared understanding and cohesion around the government’s overall direction and agenda  exchanging views on major national, regional and cross- cutting policy issues  building consensus around potentially divisive issues Generally 3-part agenda:  Parliamentary Strategy  Key Communications Messages  Policy issue discussion  + appointments

12 Priorities and Planning Committee Provides strategic direction on government priorities Provides strategic direction on expenditure management Ratifies policy committee recommendations

13 The Challenge Function Public interest, national interest Role of government Federalism, role of federal government Partnership Efficiency, Effectiveness and Affordability Sustainability Process – Transparency and Consultation Maintaining focus and advancing the Government’s agenda

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