results-based approaches to development, including through transparent and country-led results frameworks based on, where appropriate, internationally agreed targets and comparable and aggregatable indicators such as those of the MDGs, in order to assess and communicate the results, including the outputs, outcomes and impact of development aid.

As you are aware, according to chapter 20 of the Auditor General's report, “Managing Departments for Results and Managing Horizontal Issues for Results”, the audit also found that the government does not effectively manage initiatives that span two or more departments.

results-based approaches to development, including through the use of transparent country-level results frameworks, based on, where appropriate, internationally agreed targets and indicators such as those of the MDGs, to assess and communicate the results, including the outputs, outcomes and impact of development aid.

Q-71 — Mr. Mark (Dauphin—Swan River) — With respect to the government's Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI): (a) how does the department evaluate “value for money” in connection with VSI grants; (b) what, if any, audits has the department conducted on any of the agencies that have received grants; (c) what groups have received grants and what did they produce; (d) how much of the grant money has gone to operational and administrative expenses; (e) what types of outcome or results-oriented evaluations have been conducted to date; (f) is the VSI a permanent program or does it have a “termed” mandate; (g) if there are audits, who conduc ...[+++]ts them and what are they measuring; and (h) how does the department report “value for money” to Parliament in relation to the VSI program?

So I think Madam Lalonde's suggestion, coupled with Mr. Tonks', is more appropriate in the sense of not moving on this notice of motion because what it's calling for, except for the issue of a mandatory annual independent audit.We have an Auditor General who has the authority, if she wishes, to conduct an annual audit of CIDA programs and contributions. But definitely, within this results-based management and accountability framework, there is a whole process of audits that will take place, both country-wide and program-wide, that will result over a five-year period with almost half the programs being audited.

In December 2000, we will report the results of a government-wide audit designed to assess the status of performance reporting and managing for results in the federal government.