The following table provides an update on recommendations previously made by PAC that are not yet implemented and are not discussed earlier in this chapter.6
Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
2009 PAC concurs:
2-2 that the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour develop a human resource plan.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2009).
The Ministry developed the 2008-09 Human Resource Plan; however, it was never formally approved. The 2009-10 Human Resource Plan has been developed and is in the approval stages.
2009 PAC concurs:
2-3 that the Ministry of Advanced
Education, Employment and Labour sign an adequate agreement on disaster recovery of computer systems and data with the Information Technology Office.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2009).
Management told us that the Ministry is working with ITO with regard to disaster recovery and has completed a significant amount of work on disaster recovery as part of the Ministry’s pandemic planning process.
2009 PAC concurs:
2-4 that the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour monitor the effectiveness of the
Information Technology Office’s security controls to protect the Ministry’s
computer systems and data.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2009).
Management told us that the Ministry has worked with the ITO through the year on security controls/issues. Security and control issues have been a standing agenda item on the joint ITO/Ministry Information
Technology Management Committee meetings. In addition, the ITO is working with the Ministry on the development of a security report that will meet all the Ministry’s needs.
6For the definitions of the key terms used in the table, see Chapter 20 – Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
7PAC Report Year refers to the year that PAC first made the recommendation in its report to the Legislative Assembly.
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology
2007 PAC concurs:
3-4 that Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology should analyze competency gaps for its entire workforce and provide periodic updates to the board.
Partially implemented(as at January 31, 2006).
We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2007 PAC concurs:
3-5 that Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology should identify barriers to its current and future human capacity and provide the board with a plan to address the significant barriers.
Partially implemented(as at January 31, 2006).
We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2007 PAC concurs:
3-6 that Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology should regularly inform staff involved in the recruiting process about trends in workforce gaps across SIAST and effective strategies to overcome barriers to human capacity.
Partially implemented(as at January 31, 2006).
We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2007 PAC concurs:
3-7 that Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology's board should work with management to identify the content and frequency of reports necessary to monitor human resource risks and evaluate progress towards its human capacity objectives.
Partially implemented(as at January 31, 2006).
We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2009 PAC concurs:
2-5 that the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology’s Board use more comprehensive risk
management policies and procedures that:
- define key terms and processes - assign roles and responsibilities for risk management
- require risks be identified in relation to strategic objectives
- require analysis of risk likelihood and impact including timeframes
- set criteria to evaluate risk tolerance - outline guidance to treat key risks
Not implemented(as at June 30, 2008).
We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2009 PAC concurs:
2-6 that the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology’s Board require that the written risk management reports it receives include analysis of risks and outcomes of risk management.
Not implemented(as at June 30, 2008).
We plan to follow-up in 2010.
Welfare to Work
2005 PAC concurs:
4-2 that the Department of Community Resources and Employment should select additional performance measures that directly assess its progress in moving people from welfare to work.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2006).
Relevant programs are now the
responsibility of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2005 PAC concurs:
4-3 that the Department of Community Resources and Employment should establish baseline results and targets for each measure.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2006).
Relevant programs are now the
responsibility of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2005 PAC concurs:
4-4 that the Department of Community Resources and Employment should communicate to employees its measures, baseline results, and targets.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2006).
Relevant programs are now the
responsibility of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2005 PAC concurs:
4-5 that the Department of Community Resources and Employment should collect relevant and reliable information related to its performance measures.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2006).
Relevant programs are now the
responsibility of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2005 PAC concurs:
4-6 that the Department of Community Resources and Employment should establish policies and procedures for evaluating data to assess its progress in moving people from welfare to work.
Partially implemented(as at March 31, 2006).
Relevant programs are now the
responsibility of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. We plan to follow-up in 2010.
2005 PAC concurs:
4-7 that the Department of Community Resources and Employment should prepare reports that show its progress in helping welfare recipients, and others seeking financial assistance, to find and keep work.
Not implemented(as at March 31, 2006).
Relevant programs are now the
responsibility of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. We plan to follow-up in 2010.
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
2007 PAC concurs:
3-3 that the Saskatchewan
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission should sign a service level agreement with the Information
Technology Office for the delivery of information technology services.
Not implemented(as at June 30, 2009).
No progress in year.
Main points ... 38 Introduction ... 39 Special purpose funds and Crown agencies ... 39 Financial overview ... 39 Audit conclusions and findings ... 40 Accounting estimates need strengthening ... 41 Unauthorized transfer of the Provincial Dairy Laboratory ... 43 Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation ... 43 Background ... 43 Better processes required over computer systems ... 44 Premium rate setting process – follow-up ... 45 Procedures for calculating premium rates ... 46 Procedures for data and formula accuracy ... 46 Approval of internal audit plan ... 46 Saskatchewan Agricultural Stabilization Fund ... 46 Background ... 46 Employees need to follow established processes ... 47 Status of other outstanding recommendations of the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts... 48
Main points
The Ministry of Agriculture uses the Provincial Dairy Lab to carry out some of its regulatory responsibilities. In April 2006, Agriculture transferred responsibility to operate the Lab to the Milk Control Board without proper legislative authority. Agriculture needs to comply with the law or seek changes to allow the transfer of its regulatory responsibilities to another agency.
Agriculture needs to better document key assumptions used when making significant accounting estimates.
Also, Agriculture needs to follow its processes to prepare accurate financial reports and statements for the Saskatchewan Agricultural Stabilization Fund.
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation made some progress in better controlling its computer systems and in meeting our 2007
recommendations about its premium rate-setting processes. However, more work remains.
Introduction
The purpose of the Ministry of Agriculture (Agriculture) is to enable a prosperous market-driven agricultural industry through a supportive legislative framework, policies, and programs and services.1