6. Recommendations and management responses

The following three recommendations are addressed to the ADM of Science and Technology Branch as the senior departmental official responsible for the management of the Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystem Health Program.

Recommendation 1: Review current processes and identify actions required to support the publishing of freshwater quality monitoring data in a more timely manner.

A key issue identified in the evaluation related to data access and the timely delivery of freshwater quality monitoring data. Only recently has some of the historic freshwater quality monitoring data been made publicly and easily accessible as part of the open data approach. While steps have been taken to increase automation and reduce the time needed for quality assurance, further work is needed in this area to enhance timeliness to support decision-making and maximize its use. It is recommended that a plan be developed to support the publishing of freshwater quality monitoring data in a timely manner, with consideration given to expanding this approach to all water quality science and data.

Management response to recommendation 1

The ADM of STB agrees with the recommendation.

Management action

A central issue of the evaluation relates to data access and the timely delivery of freshwater quality monitoring data.  A key element of the proposed action plan is to improve internet accessibility of freshwater quality monitoring data, to include publishing datasets on Open Data and implementation of user-friendly interactive solutions to assist in the discovery and extraction of freshwater quality monitoring data by users.

The Program has developed a three-pronged proposed plan to make data available from all freshwater quality monitoring activities.  This would address key evaluation findings relating to determining current database capabilities and constraints, improving public accessibility of Program data, and moving towards an integrated and outward-facing data management approach.

To this end, working within the spirit and intent of “Open by Default”, the Program commits to make all raw data available within 30 days of receipt, and verified data will be re-released within an appropriate period of time once quality assurance/quality control has been undertaken (90 days from receipt is the STB target). On digitizing Program legacy archival paper data, a corollary to the above commitment is to immediately undertake a review to develop an inventory of what STB has in its possession, with a view to assessing within 12 months what is likely most relevant for public disclosure.

Recommendation 2: Develop a plan to fully implement the risk-based approach for freshwater quality monitoring.

The program has made significant progress toward implementing a comprehensive risk-based approach for all core freshwater quality monitoring sites. This approach can be used to focus available resources on monitoring the activities and substances that pose the greatest risks to water quality, determine the optimum number of water monitoring sites across Canada, identify gaps in existing coverage, and establish new monitoring sites where required. However, these benefits have not yet been realized as the approach has not been fully implemented. As such, it is recommended that a plan be developed that identifies key milestones and timelines to ensure the RBA is fully implemented.

Management response to recommendation 2

The ADM of STB agrees with the recommendation.

Management action

The need to implement the Risk-based Adaptive Management Framework (RBAMF) in a nationally consistent, on-going manner using updated science, and input from partners and stakeholders (such as provinces/territories) is a key Evaluation finding.

The Science and Technology Branch has convened an Expert Panel to undertake a review of existing approaches to environmental monitoring and to provide recommendations moving forward.

Taking into consideration the recommendations from this Expert Panel, the Program will develop a risk-based implementation plan for freshwater quality monitoring within 90 days.

Recommendation 3: Within the context of the new Departmental Results Framework, improve performance measurement for the program by developing an updated logic model with associated indicators and targets for each intended outcome.

The program conducts some performance reporting through various legally-required reports, generally at the activity/output level. However, there is no performance measurement strategy or formally approved logic model in place that clearly communicates the program’s intended outcomes for the immediate and longer term, or identifies how progress toward these outcomes will be measured. Within the context of the new Departmental Results Framework, the program should develop a performance measurement strategy that clarifies linkages between indicators and program outcomes.

Management response to recommendation 3

The ADM of STB agrees with the recommendation.

Management action

The Program recognizes that while it conducts some performance reporting through various legally-required reports at the activity/output level, there is no approved performance measurement strategy or logic model in place that clearly communicates the Program’s intended outcomes for the immediate and longer term, or identifies how progress toward these outcomes will be measured.

The intent of this work will be to ensure Program activities are appropriately integrated in the logic model that is being developed for the Performance Information Profile (PIP) in conjunction with Corporate Management Directorate.