Executive Summary Cruise Ship Inspection Program Audit

Conclusion

The Cruise Ship Inspection Program of the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) was performed and reported on in an objective, independent, and impartial manner by Health Canada inspectors and that the inspections were conducted in compliance with Health Canada's Cruise Ship Inspection Program Administrative (CSIPA Guide).

Objectives and Scope

The objective of this assurance engagement was to assess the degree to which the processes of the Cruise Ship Inspection Program ensure that inspections are:

• Performed and reported on in an objective and impartial manner by Health Canada inspectors; and,
• In compliance with Health Canada's Cruise Ship Inspection Program Administrative (CSIPA) Guide.

The scope of the audit was focussed on the National Headquarters and the British Columbia/Yukon Region.

Key Findings

• The program operates on a cost recovery fees basis. Inspection files assessed indicated that fees are not charged according to the national standard, documentation was not always available and fees recovered from the cruise ship industry were unevenly captured.
• Many of the staff in BC-Yukon Region were in term positions. When indeterminate staff left the program, due to funding pressures over the last six years, they were often replaced by term and contract employees.
• The position of Manager of Professional Services had been occupied by five different individuals over the last four years. This position has responsibilities for the planning and timing of all types of inspections and requires experience and skills to effectively and efficiently address all of the health inspection demands placed on the professional staff in the region as well as maintaining cost control.
• The inspection teams are composed of two to four inspectors, depending on the size of the ship. Team members are randomly selected from among the staff and the designation of one of them as lead inspector varies from one inspection to the next. This ensures the objectivity and impartiality of the team and of the lead inspector as well as providing for varied work experience. The limited number of PHITS licences and the decreasing number of indeterminate inspector positions limits the rotation of lead inspectors.
• To reinforce the appearance of objectivity and independence, staff in the BC/Yukon Region have developed an ethics policy which clarifies what is acceptable behavior and places strict limits on the acceptance of gifts from the cruise ship companies.

Recommendations

• Review of Revenues and Funding Allocation Formula.
• Address staff Recruitment, Retention and Development to ensure continuity of qualified, trained, experienced, and motivated professional staff.
• Provide adequate PHITS Resources.

Management Response

The Management Response was forwarded and integrated into the audit report.

Action Plan

The Action Plan was forwarded and integrated into the audit report.

Follow Up

To be included within the Follow Up schedule of the Continuous Auditing and Monitoring Directorate.