1. Simplified Reporting Initiative
Presentation for Ontario Information Sessions
November 2017
NCR#

2. Overview: How We Got Here
In 2008 “Measuring What Matters” exercise was conducted to examine and rationalize reporting requirements.
In 2009 audit of reducing reporting efforts (2002 Officer of the Auditor General initial report and 2011 follow-up).
In a pilot project was conducted to look at extracting our information needs from the annual reports prepared by a number of First Nations (13 First Nations / Loucks Report).
The Annual Report project was approved by the Deputy Minister in 2012: direct reduction of Data Collection Instruments (DCIs) and challenge function for collection and use of performance/results information.
In 2012, the department conducted a Deputy Minister-led review of DCIs, resulting in a consolidation/reduction from 119 to 51 (57%) in reporting requirements. A further reduction from 51 to 33 (35%) occurred between and
In , consultations were held with First Nations across the country to further examine the nature of the reporting burden and discuss solutions to eliminate redundant reports; this was reported out to RO SMC, Operations Committee, and to the Deputy Minister.
In 2016, IMB implemented a more robust challenge function of program-generated data collection requirements for the Reporting Guide.

3. What is the Simplified Reporting Initiative (SRI)?
As funding recipients, First Nations provide administrative, compliance and performance information to various organizations.
First Nations have repeatedly stated that they find these reporting requirements a burden.
The SRI was designed to address:
The amount of information being submitted by First Nations;
The challenges with submitting information;
Technology issues both at INAC and in First Nation communities;
Reporting frequency; and
Information needs to support evidence-based decision-making and specific gaps related to Results and Delivery.

4. Progress to Date
Last year headquarters presented on the initiative and spoke about pilot recruitment, reporting and technology.
PILOT RECRUITMENT - 28+/- First Nations from Ontario, Atlantic, Quebec and British Columbia have been recruited in the pilot phase of the initiative, however have not been trained on reporting through the portal as of yet. Regional offices continue to work on recruitment, including EIS.
TECHNOLOGY - Modifications have been made to the existing INAC portal to allow it to manage all reporting requirements under the initiative. We encourage you to sign up with Susan Troniak, your regional contact, to let us know if the technology meets your needs.
REPORTING - Paper reporting templates have been converted to electronic online forms for portal usage. This reporting is the exact same content and frequency as what was approved by the Sectors responsible for data collection instruments in the “Reporting Guide”.
There are policies led by Treasury Board and other initiatives underway that determine how data will be managed.

5. Policies & Initiatives that determine how data will be managed
Policy on Results (July 2016): Prescribes that “departments are clear on what they are trying to achieve and how they assess success”.
Directive on Results (July 2016): states that the Chief Information Officer must work “to ensure that the department has the necessary information technology applications and tools to support the timely collection and use of quality performance data by departments, including machine-readable qualitative information”.
As per the Policy on Results, the department established a Chief Results Delivery Officer (CFRDO), who in turn appointed a Director General Lead (DG, Planning, Research and Statistics Branch).
Focusing on outcomes for Canadians, making evidence-based decisions – GoC is moving to a culture of measurement and impact, and is putting in place the tools to deliver on priorities.
Two New Ministries and retiring of INAC:
Indigenous Services – Minister Philpott
Crown Indigenous Relations – Minister Bennett

6. Policies & Initiatives that determine how data will be managed
Open Government - Open Information, Open Data, Open Dialogue – What is it?:
Directive on Open Government Requirements (
Maximizing the release of Government of Canada open data (structured data) and open information (unstructured documents and multi-media assets)
Ensuring that open data and open information is released in accessible and reusable formats via Government of Canada websites and services designated by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
Establishing and maintaining comprehensive inventories of data and information resources of business value held by departments.  
Developing, posting to the designated website (Open Canada portal), implementing, and annually updating a departmental Open Government Implementation Plan (OGIP) – INAC has one.
Canada’s Open Data Principles – completeness, primacy, timeliness, machine readability, ease of access, non discrimination, common standards, permanence, licencing, usage costs:

7. Next Steps
Senior leadership within the Information Management Branch are developing a data management strategy. This strategy will connect all information management and technology activities within the department.
This strategy is essential as the government of Canada builds two new Ministries; and as
Treasury Board works with Indigenous organizations on Canada’s Open Data Principles.
Opportunities to have your voice heard through upcoming Treasury Board consultations on OPEN GOVERNMENT:
Complete the questionnaire: (roughly seven minutes to complete)

8. Open Government
Open government is about increasing transparency, participation, and collaboration to make government better.
Every two years, Treasury Board works with you to create a plan as part of our membership in the global open government partnership.
Treasury Board is now creating the 4th plan to be published in July This is your opportunity to help make government more open and responsive.
Treasury Board wants to co-develop a high level commitment with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities with concrete activities and milestones to work on over a two-year period.

9. Open Government Consultations with Treasury Board
Between now and June 30, 2018, you can participate in every phase of creating and implementing the plan. Visit the website to have your voices heard!