Understanding and improving regulatory oversight: Canadian systems and experiences with a focus on the Treasury Board Secretariat as central oversight agency

This chapter provides a closer look at regulatory oversight in the federal government of Canada, with a special emphasis on the role and functions of the Treasury Board Secretariat. It finds that Canada’s system of regulatory oversight is one composed of central agency and ministerial dimensions of Cabinet government and which shows examples of the benefits of oversight but also its growing complexity. It also stresses the much greater and needed presence of, and attention to, life-cycle regulation in policies about regulation, regarding regulatory plans but critically also in environmental and sustainable development realms/departments and therefore oversight. It also highlights efforts to both increase the role of scientific advice in oversight, as well as establish more independence for regulators and advisory bodies who produce scientific advice. Finally, the case study finds that oversight functions at the centre depend on competent, knowledgeable and dedicated staff but also on adequate budgets that are fit for purpose (indeed purposes).

Trends, Practices and the Way Forward

Improving Regulatory Governance

Understanding and improving regulatory oversight: Canadian systems and experiences with a focus on the Treasury Board Secretariat as central oversight agency (g2g806aa)