2012-13 Departmental Financial Statements
Table of Contents
- Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
- Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
- Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (Unaudited)
- Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt (Unaudited)
- Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
- Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)
- Health Canada's Annex to the Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2013, and all information contained in these statements rests with the management of Health Canada. These financial statements have been prepared by management using the Government's accounting policies, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards.
Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information in these financial statements. Some of the information in the financial statements is based on management's best estimates and judgment, and gives due consideration to materiality. To fulfill its accounting and reporting responsibilities, management maintains a set of accounts that provides a centralized record of the Department's financial transactions. Financial information submitted in the preparation of the Public Accounts of Canada, and included in Health Canada's Departmental Performance Report, is consistent with these financial statements.
Management is also responsible for maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in accordance with the Financial Administration Act and other applicable legislation, regulations, authorities and policies.
Management seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements through careful selection, training and development of qualified staff; through organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility; through communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards, and managerial authorities are understood throughout the Department; and through conducting an annual risk-based assessment of the effectiveness of the system of ICFR.
The system of ICFR is designed to mitigate risks to a reasonable level based on an ongoing process to identify key risks, to assess effectiveness of associated key controls, and to make any necessary adjustments.
A risk-based assessment of the system of ICFR for the year ended March 31, 2013 was completed in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Internal Control and the results and action plans are summarized in the annex.
The effectiveness and adequacy of the Department's system of internal control is reviewed by the work of internal audit staff, who conduct periodic audits of different areas of the Department's operations, and by the Departmental Audit Committee, which oversees management's responsibilities for maintaining adequate control systems and the quality of financial reporting, and which recommends the financial statements to the Deputy Minister.
Management is supported by the Departmental Audit Committee, which ensures that the Deputy Minister has independent and objective advice, guidance and assurance as to the adequacy of risk management, control and accountability processes. The Departmental Audit Committee is chaired by a member external to the Government and includes the Deputy Minister, the Associate Deputy Minister, and three other external members.
The financial statements of Health Canada have not been audited.
George Da Pont
Deputy Minister
Ottawa, Canada
Date: August 23, 2013
Jamie Tibbetts
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer
Ottawa, Canada
Date: August 18, 2013
2013
|
2012
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|
Liabilities | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 4) | $ 324,585 | $ 363,360 |
Vacation pay and compensatory leave | 37,923 | 37,537 |
Deferred revenue | 15,203 | 3,603 |
Employee future benefits (note 5) | 92,672 | 143,217 |
Other liabilities (note 6) | 405,670 | 529,185 |
Total gross liabilities | 876,053 | 1,076,902 |
Liabilities held on behalf of Government | ||
Deferred revenue | (1,410) | (27) |
Total liabilities held on behalf of Government | (1,410) | (27) |
Total net liabilities | 874,643 | 1,076,875 |
Financial assets | ||
Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund | 305,784 | 295,907 |
Accounts receivable and advances (note 7) | 61,381 | 39,846 |
Total gross financial assets | 367,165 | 335,753 |
Financial assets held on behalf of Government | ||
Accounts receivable and advances (note 7) | (47,471) | (30,874) |
Total financial assets held on behalf of Government | (47,471) | (30,874) |
Total net financial assets | 319,694 | 304,879 |
Departmental net debt | 554,949 | 771,996 |
Non-financial assets | ||
Prepaid expenses | 1,314 | 12,400 |
Tangible capital assets (note 8) | 140,390 | 136,988 |
Total non-financial assets | 141,704 | 149,388 |
Departmental net financial position | $ (413,245) | $ (622,608) |
Contractual obligations (note 9)
Contingent liabilities (note 10)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
George Da Pont
Deputy Minister
Ottawa, Canada
Date: August 23, 2013
Jamie Tibbetts
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer
Ottawa, Canada
Date: August 18, 2013
2013
Planned Results |
2013
|
2012
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|---|
Expenses | |||
A health system responsive to the needs of Canadians | $ 382,712 | $ 344,186 | $ 363,078 |
Canadians are informed of and protected from health risks associated with food, products, substances and environments, and are informed of the benefits of healthy eating | 707,619 | 637,258 | 743,074 |
First Nations and Inuit communities and individuals receive health services and benefits that are responsive to their needs so as to improve their health status | 2,097,052 | 2,418,636 | 2,420,510 |
Internal services | 319,857 | 396,553 | 394,380 |
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government | (711) | (14,536) | (2,697) |
Total expenses | 3,506,529 | 3,782,097 | 3,918,345 |
Revenues | |||
Sales of goods and services | |||
Services of a regulatory nature | 55,717 | 49,125 | 41,984 |
Rights and privileges | 53,375 | 29,064 | 46,002 |
Services of a non-regulatory nature | 22,083 | 81,842 | 22,845 |
Lease and use of public property | - | 287 | 300 |
Revenues from fines | - | 2,565 | 2,848 |
Interest | 357 | 244 | 250 |
Other | - | 4,555 | 4,420 |
Revenues earned on behalf of Government | (18,393) | (67,335) | (20,493) |
Total Revenues | 113,139 | 100,347 | 98,156 |
Net cost from continuing operations | 3,393,390 | 3,681,750 | 3,820,189 |
Transferred operations | |||
Expenses | - | - | 35,273 |
Net cost of transferred operations | - | - | 35,273 |
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 3,393,390 | 3,681,750 | 3,855,462 |
Government funding and transfers | |||
Net cash provided by Government | 3,357,023 | 3,750,585 | 3,731,228 |
Change in due from Consolidated Revenue Fund | (29,808) | 9,877 | (8,441) |
Services provided without charge by other government departments (note 11) | 128,389 | 134,430 | 134,966 |
Transfer of assets and liabilities to Shared Services Canada | - | - | (16,543) |
Transfer of assets and liabilities to/from other government departments | - | (77) | (3,089) |
Transfer of assets and liabilities to Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (a)) | - | 1,493 | - |
Transfer of assets and liabilities from Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (b)) | - | (4,952) | - |
Transfer of assets and liabilities from Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (note 12 (c)) | - | (243) | - |
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers | (62,214) | (209,363) | 17,341 |
Departmental net financial position - Beginning of year | (586,826) | (622,608) | (605,267) |
Departmental net financial position - End of year | $ (524,612) | $ (413,245) | $ (622,608) |
Segmented information (note 13)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
2013
Planned Results |
2013
|
2012
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|---|
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers | $ (62,214) | $ (209,363) | $ 17,341 |
Change due to tangible capital assets | |||
Acquisition of tangible capital assets | 28,153 | 32,860 | 33,084 |
Amortization of tangible capital assets | (27,809) | (26,603) | (29,997) |
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets | - | (279) | (419) |
Net loss on disposal of tangible capital assets including adjustments | - | (1,533) | (1,154) |
Transfer to Shared Services Canada | - | - | (20,545) |
Transfer to other government departments | - | (77) | (3,089) |
Transfer of assets to Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (a)) | - | (966) | - |
Total change due to tangible capital assets | 344 | 3,402 | (22,120) |
Change due to prepaid expenses | - | (11,086) | (6,800) |
Net decrease in departmental net debt | (61,870) | (217,047) | (11,579) |
Departmental net debt - Beginning of year | 866,707 | 771,996 | 783,575 |
Departmental net debt - End of year | $ 804,837 | $554,949 | $ 771,996 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
2013
|
2012
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|
Operating activities | ||
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | $ 3,681,750 | $ 3,855,462 |
Non-cash items: | ||
Amortization of tangible capital assets | (26,603) | (29,997) |
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets | (1,533) | (1,154) |
Services provided without charge by other government departments (note 11) | (134,430) | (134,966) |
Variations in Statement of Financial Position: | ||
Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 38,775 | (56,619) |
(Increase) decrease in vacation pay and compensatory leave | (386) | 3,342 |
Increase in deferred revenue | (10,217) | (2,113) |
Decrease in employee future benefits | 50,545 | 33,458 |
Decrease in other liabilities | 123,515 | 56,298 |
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable and advances | 4,938 | (14,346) |
Decrease in prepaid expenses | (11,086) | (6,800) |
Transfer of liabilities to Shared Services Canada | - | (4,002) |
Transfer of liabilities to Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (a)) | (2,459) | - |
Transfer of liabilities from Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (b)) | 4,952 | - |
Transfer of assets from Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (note 12 (c)) | (256) | - |
Transfer of liabilities from Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (note 12 (c)) | 499 | - |
Cash used in operating activities | 3,718,004 | 3,698,563 |
Capital investing activities | ||
Acquisition of tangible capital assets | 32,860 | 33,084 |
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets | (279) | (419) |
Cash used in capital investing activities | 32,581 | 32,665 |
Net cash provided by Government of Canada | $3,750,585 | $ 3,731,228 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31, 2013
1. Authority and objectives
The Department of Health was established effective July 12, 1996 under the Department of Health Act to participate in the promotion and preservation of the health of the people of Canada. It is named in Schedule I of the Financial Administration Act and reports through the Minister of Health. Priorities and reporting are aligned under the following strategic outcomes and related program activities:
Strategic Outcome 1: A health system responsive to the needs of Canadians
Canadians expect their governments to provide a health system that meets their needs and that delivers results effectively and efficiently. In addition to ensuring that it meets specific federal responsibilities, such as health services for federal employees and during international events held in Canada, Health Canada works with provincial and territorial governments as well as health organizations and other stakeholder groups to address the health objectives of Canadians. Research and policy analysis, support and funding to test innovations in health service delivery and monitoring of provincial and territorial application of the Canada Health Act all lead to continuing improvement in Canada's health system.
Program Activities:
- Canadian health system
- Specialized health services
- Official language minority community development
Strategic Outcome 2: Canadians are informed of and protected from health risks associated with food, products, substances and environments, and are informed of the benefits of healthy eating
This Strategic Outcome seeks to ensure that the food that Canadians eat and products they use are as safe as possible and that threats to health are addressed effectively. It helps increase Canadians' understanding of factors that influence everyone's health such as environmental conditions and nutrition. It helps to limit the use and abuse of tobacco and illicit drugs.
Program Activities:
- Health products
- Food safety and nutrition
- Environmental risks to health
- Consumer product safety
- Substance use and abuse
- Radiation protection
- Pesticide safety
Strategic Outcome 3: First Nations and Inuit communities and individuals receive health services and benefits that are responsive to their needs so as to improve their health status
This Strategic Outcome seeks to ensure that First Nations and Inuit living on reserve or in Inuit communities have access to health services as well as a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services not provided through private insurance plans, provincial/ territorial health or social programs or other publicly funded programs. It seeks to reduce the gap in health outcomes between First Nations and Inuit and the Canadian population in general.
Program Activities:
- First Nations and Inuit primary health care
- Supplementary health benefits for First Nations and Inuit
- Health infrastructure support for First Nations and Inuit
Internal services
Health Canada has a range of internal services. Some, such as financial, administrative, real property, security, human resources, information management and Information Technology, provide the basic infrastructure that enables the Department to function while ensuring compliance to new and existing central agency policies. Other internal services in Health Canada address departmental and Health Portfolio needs such as general communications and policy activities, as well as managing relations with Parliamentarians, the Cabinet system and other government departments and levels of government. An additional set of internal service roles centre on critical departmental and government-wide responsibilities, such as ensuring the best value for Canadians through planning, accountability and tracking performance and results.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared using the Government's accounting policies stated below, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
(a) Parliamentary authorities
The Department of Health is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the Department do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since authorities are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through authorities from Parliament. Note 3 provides a reconciliation between the bases of reporting. The planned results amounts in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are the amounts reported in the future-oriented financial statements included in the 2012-13 Report on Plans and Priorities.
The future-oriented financial statements for 2012-13 have been restated to reflect the revenue and expenses net of non-respendable amounts. This restatement resulted in an $18.3 million increase in net costs of operations before government funding and transfers. In addition, the future-oriented financial statements have also been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
(b) Net cash provided by Government
The Department operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the Department is deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by the Department are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements, including transactions between departments of the Government.
(c) Amounts due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund
Amounts due from the CRF are the result of timing differences at year-end between when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that the Department is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.
(d) Revenues
- Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized in the accounts based on the services provided in the year;
- Funds received from external parties for specified purposes are recorded upon receipt as deferred revenue. These revenues are recognized in the period in which the related expenses are incurred;
- Funds that have been received are recorded as deferred revenue, provided the Department has an obligation to other parties for the provision of goods, services or the use of assets in the future;
- Other revenues are accounted for in the period in which the underlying transaction or event that gave rise to the revenue takes place;
- Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the Department's liabilities. While the Department Head (DH) is expected to maintain accounting control, he or she has no authority regarding the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are considered to be earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented in reduction of the entity's gross revenues.
(e) Expenses
Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis:
- Transfer payments are recorded as expenses when authorization for the payment exists and the recipient has met the eligibility criteria or the entitlements established for the transfer payment program. In situations where payments do not form part of an existing program, transfer payments are recorded as expenses when the Government announces a decision to make a non-recurring transfer, provided the enabling legislation or authorization for payment receives parliamentary approval prior to the completion of the financial statements. Transfer payments that become repayable as a result of conditions specified in the contribution agreement that have come into being are recorded as a reduction to transfer payment expense and as a receivable.
- Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment;
- Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, employer contribution to health and dental insurance plans, legal services and workers' compensation are recorded as operating expenses at their estimated cost.
(f) Employee future benefits
- Pension benefits: Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi-employer pension plan administered by the Government. The Department's contributions to the Plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. The Department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.
- Severance benefits: Employees entitled to severance benefits under labour contracts or conditions of employment earn these benefits as services necessary to earn them are rendered. The obligation relating to the benefits earned by employees is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.
(g) Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at the lower of cost and net recoverable value; a valuation allowance is recorded for receivables where recovery is considered uncertain.
(h) Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. To the extent that the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense recorded. If the likelihood is not determinable or if an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
(i) Environmental liabilities
Environmental liabilities reflect the estimated costs related to the management and remediation of environmentally contaminated sites. Based on management's best estimates, a liability is accrued and an expense recorded when the contamination occurs or when the Department becomes aware of the contamination and is obligated, or is likely to be obligated to incur such costs. If the likelihood of the Department's obligation to incur these costs is not determinable, or if an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the costs are disclosed as contingent liabilities in the notes to the financial statements.
(j) Tangible capital assets
All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. Health Canada does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, aesthetic or historical value, assets located on Indian Reserves and museum collections.
Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:
Asset class | Sub-asset class | Amortization period |
---|---|---|
Buildings | Buildings | 25 years |
Works and infrastructure | Works and infrastructure | 25 years |
Leasehold improvements | Leasehold improvements | Lease term, max. 40 years |
Machinery and equipment | Machinery and equipment | 8-12 years |
Computer equipment | 3-5 years | |
Computer software | 3 years | |
In-house developed software | 5 years | |
Other equipment | 5-12 years | |
Vehicles | Motor vehicles | 4-7 years |
Other vehicles | 10 years | |
Assets under construction | Buildings in progress of construction | Assets under construction are recorded in the applicable capital asset class in the year that they become available for use and are not amortized until they become available for use. |
Engineering works in progress of construction | ||
Work in progress for software | ||
Other construction or work in progress |
(k) Measurement uncertainty
The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements. At the time of preparation of these statements, management believes the estimates and assumptions to be reasonable. The most significant items where estimates are used are contingent liabilities, environmental liabilities, the liability for employee future benefits, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.
3. Parliamentary authorities
Health Canada receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary authorities. Items recognized in the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position in one year may be funded through Parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the Department has different net results of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. These differences are reconciled in the following tables:
(a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year authorities used:
2013
|
2012
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | $ 3,681,750 | $ 3,855,462 |
Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities: | ||
Amortization of tangible capital assets | (26,603) | (29,997) |
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets | (1,354) | (1,150) |
Services provided without charge by other government departments | (134,430) | (134,966) |
Decrease in vacation pay and compensatory leave | 658 | 3,200 |
Decrease in employee future benefits | 52,088 | 29,598 |
Refund/adjustment of previous year's expenditures | 34,026 | 36,435 |
Bad debt expense | (14,376) | (3,650) |
Increase in transfer payment accrual | 22,562 | 3,356 |
Workforce adjustment measures | 52,774 | (65,142) |
Other | 9,761 | (21,120) |
Total items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities | 3,676,856 | 3,672,026 |
Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities: | ||
Disbursement to Canada Health Infoway Inc. | 122,492 | 87,881 |
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets | 32,860 | 33,084 |
Proceeds from disposal of Crown assets | 36 | 109 |
(Decrease) in prepaid expenses | (11,086) | (6,800) |
Total items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities | 144,302 | 114,274 |
Current year authorities used | $ 3,821,158 | $ 3,786,300 |
(b) Authorities provided and used:
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Authorities provided: | ||
Vote 1 - Operating expenditures | $ 2,115,935 | $ 2,130,078 |
Vote 5 - Capital expenditures | 37,351 | 35,096 |
Vote 10 - Grants and contributions | 1,520,090 | 1,536,543 |
Statutory amounts | 309,782 | 225,664 |
Less: | ||
Authorities available for future years | (314) | (332) |
Lapsed authorities | (161,686) | (140,749) |
Current year authorities used | $ 3,821,158 | $ 3,786,300 |
4. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
The following table presents details of Health Canada's accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Accounts payable - external parties | $ 138,386 | $ 153,724 |
Accounts payable - other government departments and agencies | 13,676 | 11,005 |
Total accounts payable | 152,062 | 164,729 |
Accrued liabilities | 172,523 | 198,631 |
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ 324,585 | $ 363,360 |
In Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government announced savings measures to be implemented by departments over the next three fiscal years starting in 2012-13. As a result, the Department has recorded at March 31, 2013 an obligation for termination benefits for an amount of $12.4 million ($65.1 million in 2011-12) as part of accrued liabilities to reflect the estimated workforce adjustment costs.
5. Employee future benefits
(a) Pension benefits
The Department's employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, which is sponsored and administered by the Government. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2% per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Québec Pension Plans benefits and they are indexed to inflation.
Both the employees and the Department contribute to the cost of the Plan. The 2012-13 expense represents approximately 1.7 times (1.8 times in 2011-12) the contributions by employees which amount to:
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Expense for the year | $ 99,071 | $ 98,132 |
The Department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.
(b) Severance benefits
The Department provides severance benefits to its employees based on eligibility, years of service and salary at termination of employment. These severance benefits are not pre-funded. Benefits will be paid from future authorities.
As part of collective agreement negotiations with certain employee groups, and changes to conditions of employment for executives and certain non-represented employees, the accumulation of severance benefits under the employee severance pay program ceased for these employees commencing in 2012. Employees subject to these changes have been given the option to be immediately paid the full or partial value of benefits earned to date or collect the full or remaining value of benefits on termination from the public service. These changes have been reflected in the calculation of the outstanding severance benefit obligation.
Information about the severance benefits, measured as at March 31, is as follows:
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Accrued benefit obligation - Beginning of year | $ 143,217 | $ 176,675 |
Transferred to Shared Services Canada | - | (3,860) |
Transferred to Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (a)) | (1,663) | - |
Transferred from Public Health Agency of Canada (note 12 (b)) | 3,131 | - |
Transferred from Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (note 12 (c)) | 75 | - |
Subtotal | 144,760 | 172,815 |
Provision for the year | (15,767) | 17,417 |
Benefits paid during the year | (36,321) | (47,015) |
Accrued benefit obligation - End of year | $ 92,672 | $ 143,217 |
6. Other liabilities
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Canada Health Infoway Inc. | $ 366,086 | $ 489,315 |
Other | 39,584 | 39,870 |
Total other liabilities | $ 405,670 | $ 529,185 |
Budget 2007 announced an allocation of $400.0 million to Canada Health Infoway Inc. Of this authority $321.1 million has been disbursed to date, $27.5 million in 2012-13, ($30.5 million in 2011-12). Budget 2009 announced an additional allocation of $500.0 million to Canada Health Infoway Inc. Of this 2009 authority $212.8 million has been disbursed to date, $95.7 million in 2012-13, ($58.7 million in 2011-12). The disbursed amounts include interest deemed to have been paid to Canada Health Infoway Inc.
The remaining other liabilities include amounts for contingent liabilities of $33.0 million ($33.0 million in 2011-12) and Specified Purpose Accounts: Collaborative research projects $2.6 million ($3.1 million in 2011-12); miscellaneous federal/provincial projects $1.7 million ($1.8 million in 2011-12); and World Health Organization $0.1 million ($0.1 million in 2011-12).
7. Accounts receivable and advances
Health Canada records receivables from three main sources. As of March 31, amounts due under each of these categories are as follows:
2013
|
2012
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|
Accounts receivable - external parties | $77,545 | $ 42,554 |
Accounts receivable - other government departments and agencies | 8,140 | 7,505 |
Employee advances | 95 | 102 |
Subtotal | 85,780 | 50,161 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts on receivables from external parties | (24,399) | (10,315) |
Gross accounts receivable and advances |
61,381 | 39,846 |
Accounts receivable held on behalf of Government | (47,471) | (30,874) |
Net accounts receivable and advances |
$13,910 | $ 8,972 |
8. Tangible capital assets
Capital assets |
Opening Balance
|
Acquisitions
|
Disposals/ write-downs
|
Transfers and adjustments
|
Closing Balance
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land | $1,177 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ 1,177 |
Buildings | 133,962 | 3,015 | (1,798) | 1 | 135,180 |
Works and infrastructure | 1,745 | - | - | 322 | 2,067 |
Leasehold improvements | 26,475 | - | - | - | 26,475 |
Machinery and equipment | 177,384 | 7,106 | (10,602) | 15,840 | 189,728 |
Vehicles | 17,786 | 1,206 | (1,724) | (197) | 17,071 |
Assets under construction | 20,805 | 21,533 | (497) | (20,309) | 21,532 |
Total | $ 379,334 | $ 32,860 | $ (14,621) | $ (4,343) | $ 393,230 |
Accumulated amortization |
Opening Balance
|
Current year amortization
|
Disposals/ write-downs
|
Transfers and adjustments
|
Closing Balance
|
Buildings | $ 105,170 | $ 4,841 | $ (1,299) | $ - | $ 108,712 |
Works and infrastructure | 175 | 78 | - | - | 253 |
Leasehold improvements | 20,328 | 692 | - | - | 21,020 |
Machinery and equipment | 105,537 | 19,012 | (10,144) | (2,978) | 111,427 |
Vehicles | 11,136 | 1,980 | (1,541) | (147) | 11,428 |
Total | $ 242,346 | $ 26,603 | $ (12,984) | $ (3,125) | $ 252,840 |
Tangible capital assets
net book value |
Net Book Value
2012 |
Net change Acquisitions and Amortization
|
Net change Disposals/ write-downs
|
Net change Transfers and adjustments
|
Net Book Value 2013
|
Land | $ 1,177 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ 1,177 |
Buildings | 28,792 | (1,826) | (499) | 1 | 26,468 |
Works and infrastructure | 1,570 | (78) | - | 322 | 1,814 |
Leasehold improvements | 6,147 | (692) | - | - | 5,455 |
Machinery and equipment | 71,847 | (11,906) | (458) | 18,818 | 78,301 |
Vehicles | 6,650 | (774) | (183) | (50) | 5,643 |
Asset under construction | 20,805 | 21,533 | (497) | (20,309) | 21,532 |
Total | $ 136,988 | $ 6,257 | $ (1,637) | $ (1,218) | $ 140,390 |
Transfers from assets under construction represent assets that were put into use in the year and have been transferred to the other capital asset classes as applicable.
Effective June 30, 2012, Health Canada transferred assets with a net book value of $966,131 to the Public Health Agency of Canada. This transfer is included in the transfers and adjustments column (note 12 (a)).
9. Contractual obligations
The nature of Health Canada's activities can result in multi-year contracts and obligations whereby the Department will be obligated to make some future payments in order to carry out its transfer payment programs or when the services/goods are received. Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:
Transfer payments
|
Non-insured health benefits
|
Total
|
|
---|---|---|---|
2013-14 | 878,913 | 21,194 | 900,107 |
2014-15 | 606,469 | 16,502 | 622,971 |
2015-16 | 277,670 | - | 277,670 |
2016-17 | 235,510 | - | 235,510 |
2017-18 and thereafter | 241,003 | - | 241,003 |
Total | $2,239,565 | $ 37,696 | $ 2,277,261 |
10. Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of operations and their ultimate disposition is unknown. They are grouped into two categories as follows:
(a) Contaminated sites
Liabilities are accrued to record the estimated costs related to the management and remediation of contaminated sites where the Department is obligated or likely to be obligated to incur such costs. Health Canada has identified sites where such action is possible and for which a liability has been recorded.
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Approximate number of sites for which a liability has been recorded | 1 | 1 |
(in thousands of dollars) | ||
Liability recorded for contaminated sites | $ 170 | $167 |
Health Canada's ongoing efforts to assess contaminated sites may result in additional environmental liabilities related to newly identified sites, or changes in the assessments or intended use of existing sites. These liabilities will be accrued by the Department in the year in which they become likely and are reasonably estimable.
(b) Claims and litigation
Claims have been made against the Department in the normal course of operations. These claims include items with pleading amounts and others for which no amount is specified. While the total amount claimed in these actions is significant, their outcomes are not determinable. The Department has recorded an allowance for claims and litigations where it is likely that there will be a future payment and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made. Claims and litigations for which the outcome is not determinable and a reasonable estimate can be made by management amount to approximately $40 thousand in 2012-13 ($200 thousand in 2011-12).
11. Related party transactions
The Department is related as a result of common ownership to all government departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations. The Department enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms. Also, during the year, the Department received common services which were obtained without charge from other government departments as disclosed in part (a).
(a) Common Services provided without charge by other government departments:
During the year, the Department received services without charge from certain common service organizations, related to accommodation, legal services, the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans and workers' compensation coverage. These services provided without charge have been recorded in the Department's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position as follows:
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans | $ 70,601 | $ 70,955 |
Accommodation | 60,983 | 57,434 |
Legal services | 2,351 | 6,016 |
Worker's compensation | 495 | 561 |
Total | $ 134,430 | $ 134,966 |
The Government has centralized some of its administrative activities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness purposes and economic delivery of programs to the public. As a result, the Government uses central agencies and common service organizations so that one department performs services for all other departments and agencies without charge. The costs of these services, such as the payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada, are not included in the Department's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.
(b) Other transactions with related parties:
2013
|
2012
|
|
---|---|---|
Expenses - other government departments and agencies | $96,845 | $128,020 |
Revenues - other government departments and agencies | 62,388 | 9,025 |
Expenses and revenues disclosed in (b) exclude common services provided without charge, which are already disclosed in (a).
12. Transfers from/to other government departments
a) Effective June 30, 2012, the Department transferred the responsibility for the control and supervision of portions of the federal public administration in the Department of Health known as the Audit and Accountability Bureau, the Departmental Performance Measurement and Evaluation Directorate, the International Affairs Directorate and the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit to the Public Health Agency of Canada in accordance with Order in Council P.C. 2012-0965 and Order in council P.C. 2012-0950, including the stewardship responsibility for the assets and liabilities related to the programs. Accordingly, the Department transferred the following assets and liabilities related to the control and supervision of the Audit and Accountability Bureau, the Departmental Performance Measurement and Evaluation Directorate, the International Affairs Directorate and the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit on June 30, 2012:
2013 | |
Assets | |
---|---|
Tangible capital assets (net book value) (note 8) | $ 966 |
Total assets transferred | 966 |
Liabilities | |
Vacation pay and compensatory leave | 796 |
Employee future benefits (note 5) | 1,663 |
Total liabilities transferred | 2,459 |
Adjustment to the departmental net financial position | $ 1,493 |
b) Effective June 30, 2012, the Department was transferred the responsibility for the control and supervision of portions of the federal public administration the Public Health Agency of Canada known as the Communications Directorate, the Human Resources Directorate, the Information Management and Information Technology Directorate, the Facilities and Safety Division, the Integrated Security Services Division, the Access to Information and Privacy Office, the Financial Policy, Systems and Operations Division, and the Assets and Material Management Division in accordance with Order in Council P.C. 2012-0965, including the stewardship responsibility for the assets and liabilities related to the programs. Accordingly, the Department was transferred the following assets and liabilities related to the control and supervision of the Communications Directorate, the Human Resources Directorate, the Information Management and Information Technology Directorate, the Facilities and Safety Division, the Integrated Security Services Division, the Access to Information and Privacy Office, the Financial Policy, Systems and Operations Division and the Assets and Material Management Division on June 30, 2012:
2013 | |
Liabilities | |
---|---|
Vacation pay and compensatory leave | $ 1,821 |
Employee future benefits (note 5) | 3,131 |
Total liabilities transferred | 4,952 |
Adjustment to the departmental net financial position | $ (4,952) |
c) Effective September 30, 2012, the Department was transferred assets and liabilities from Assisted Human Reproduction Canada in accordance with Order in Council P.C. 2012-1136. Accordingly, the Department was transferred the following assets and liabilities on September 30, 2012:
2013 | |
Assets | |
---|---|
Accounts receivable | $ 256 |
Total assets transferred | 256 |
Liabilities | |
Accounts payable | 405 |
Vacation pay and compensatory leave | 19 |
Employee future benefits (note 5) | 75 |
Total liabilities transferred | 499 |
Adjustment to the departmental net financial position | $ (243) |
13. Segmented information
A health system responsive to the needs of Canadians
|
Canadians are informed of and protected from health risks associated with food, products, substances and environments, and are informed of the benefits of healthy eating
|
First Nations and Inuit communities and individuals receive health services and benefits that are responsive to their needs so as to improve their health status
|
Internal services
|
2013 Total
|
2012 Total
Restated (note 14) |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expenses | ||||||
Transfer payments | $ 294,435 | $ 47,494 | $ 1,126,427 | $ (9) | $ 1,468,347 | $ 1,486,524 |
Salaries and employee benefits | 34,061 | 443,913 | 241,679 | 231,585 | 951,238 | 1,054,188 |
Utilities, materials and supplies | 898 | 23,811 | 453,424 | 12,051 | 490,184 | 491,082 |
Professional and special services | 10,141 | 57,991 | 358,897 | 59,394 | 486,423 | 468,069 |
Travel non-insured health patients | - | - | 189,817 | - | 189,817 | 178,537 |
Accommodation | 2,391 | 30,102 | 15,629 | 25,277 | 73,399 | 71,039 |
Travel and relocation | 1,022 | 7,934 | 21,678 | 2,391 | 33,025 | 40,081 |
Amortization of tangible capital assets | 651 | 10,069 | 2,899 | 12,984 | 26,603 | 25,940 |
Purchased repair and maintenance | 192 | 3,022 | 2,734 | 19,392 | 25,340 | 37,399 |
Information services | 142 | 8,401 | 1,278 | 7,992 | 17,813 | 15,587 |
Bad debts | - | - | - | 14,376 | 14,376 | 3,650 |
Rentals | 94 | 1,561 | 1,067 | 7,621 | 10,343 | 3,483 |
Communication | 170 | 2,433 | 3,164 | 2,479 | 8,246 | 12,593 |
Other | (11) | 527 | (57) | 1,020 | 1,479 | 32,870 |
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government | - | - | - | (14,536) | (14,536) | (2,697) |
Total expenses | 344,186 | 637,258 | 2,418,636 | 382,017 | 3,782,097 | 3,918,345 |
Revenues | ||||||
Sales of goods and services: | ||||||
-Services of a regulatory nature | - | 47,187 | - | 1,938 | 49,125 | 41,984 |
-Rights and privileges | - | 27,017 | - | 2,047 | 29,064 | 46,002 |
-Services of a non-regulatory nature | 12,658 | 12,235 | 5,456 | 51,493 | 81,842 | 22,845 |
-Lease and use of public property | - | - | 191 | 96 | 287 | 300 |
Revenues from fines | - | 2,565 | - | - | 2,565 | 2,848 |
Interest | - | - | - | 244 | 244 | 250 |
Other | 1,021 | 3,309 | 141 | 84 | 4,555 | 4,420 |
Revenues earned on behalf of Government | (1,021) | (17,146) | (1,482) | (47,686) | (67,335) | (20,493) |
Total revenues | 12,658 | 75,167 | 4,306 | 8,216 | 100,347 | 98,156 |
Net cost from continuing operations | $ 331,528 | $ 562,091 | $ 2,414,330 | $ 373,801 | $ 3,681,750 | $ 3,820,189 |
14. Adjustments to Prior Year's Results
During the preparation of the current year's financial statements there was a reinterpretation of the application of Treasury Board Accounting Standards as they relate to the following accounts: Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund; Accounts receivable and advances held on behalf of Government and Expenses incurred on behalf of Government. Consequently, the comparative financial statements presented for the year ended March 31, 2012 have been restated. The effect of the adjustment is presented in the table below.
2012
As previously stated |
Effect of change
|
2012
Restated |
|
---|---|---|---|
Statement of Financial Position | |||
Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund | $ 217,890 | $ 78,017 | $ 295,907 |
Financial assets held on behalf of Government | (8,736) | (22,138) | (30,874) |
Departmental net debt | 827,875 | (55,879) | 771,996 |
Departmental net financial position | (678,487) | 55,879 | (622,608) |
Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position | |||
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government | $ (763) | $ (1,934) | $ (2,697) |
Change in due from Consolidated Revenue Fund | (53,667) | 45,226 | (8,441) |
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers | 40,429 | (23,088) | 17,341 |
Departmental net financial position - End of year | (678,487) | 55,879 | (622,608) |
Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt | |||
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers | $ 40,429 | $ (23,088) | $ 17,341 |
Net decrease in departmental net debt | 11,509 | (23,088) | (11,579) |
Departmental net debt - End of year | 827,875 | (55,879) | 771,996 |
Statement of Cash Flows | |||
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | $ 3,857,396 | $ (1,934) | $ 3,855,462 |
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable and advances | 7,792 | (22,138) | (14,346) |
Net cash provided by Government of Canada | 3,755,300 | (24,072) | 3,731,228 |
Health Canada's Annex to the Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Assessment of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting and the Action Plan for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013
1. Introduction
This document provides summary information on the measures taken by Health Canada to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) including information on internal control management and assessment results and related action plans.
Detailed information on HC's authority, mandate and program activities can be found in the Departmental Performance Report and the Report on Plans and Priorities.
2. Departmental system of internal control over financial reporting
HC recognizes the importance of setting the tone from the top to help ensure that staff at all levels understand their role in maintaining effective systems of ICFR and are well equipped to exercise these responsibilities effectively. The department's focus is to ensure that risks are properly managed through a responsive and risk-based control environment which enables continuous improvement and innovation.
Key components of entity level controls in departments aim at ensuring solid governance and effective risk management at the corporate level, as well as the maintenance of other entity level controls to provide effective supportto staff by raising awareness and providing appropriate knowledge, skills, and tools.
2.1 Key positions, roles and responsibilities
Deputy Minister - As the Accounting Officer and the lead member of the governance structure for HC, the Deputy Minister assumes overall responsibility and leadership for the stewardship, management and oversight of departmental resources, including the measures taken to maintain an effective system of internal control.
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer (ADM-CFO) - The Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the Deputy Minister. The ADM-CFO is the focal point of accountability and provides leadership for the coordination, coherence and focus on the design and maintenance of an effective and integrated system of ICFR. This includes accounting, financial reporting, performance measurement and evaluation, procurement and assets management. The ADM-CFO is the chair of the Executive Committee on Planning and Accountability, which is one of three Assistant Deputy Minister-chaired sub-committees.
Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADM) - As senior departmental managers in charge of program delivery and reporting to the Deputy Minister, the ADMs are responsible for providing assistance with governance along with the management and oversight of the resources falling within their mandate, including financial management and reporting.
Chief Audit Executive (CAE) - The Chief Audit Executive reports directly to the Deputy Minister, independent from line management. The CAE provides assurance through periodic internal audits focused on risk management, control, and governance processes which are necessary components in maintaining an effective system of ICFR.
Departmental Audit Committee (DAC) - The Departmental Audit Committee was established in 2008 and is comprised of the Deputy Minister and four members external to the Government. In 2012-2013, the DAC met four times, to provide advice on governance, risk management and control. One of the recurring agenda items at the quarterly meeting was the update on the progress to support the Departmental Internal Controls over its Financial Statements Reporting (ICFR).
Partnership Executive Committees (PEC) - The Partnership Executive Committee (PEC) works in parallel with the Executive Committees of both Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Executive Committees are responsible for horizontal decision-making, direction setting and oversight of substantive and corporate responsibilities in their respective organization, with PEC responsible for direction setting and oversight of items pertaining to shared services.
PEC is chaired by both Deputy Heads; membership includes internal services and program area ADMs from both organizations. PEC is supported by several working committees which are designed provide leadership and direction on specific areas of focus. The following committees support PEC:
- PEC-Internal Services (PEC-IS) is the forum for the discussion of policies, procedures and issues related to internal services. Areas of focus include: Access to Information and Privacy, communications, human resources, information management, information technology, occupational health and safety, real property and security;
- PEC Financial Operations Co-management Table discusses items such as accounting operations and procurement as it pertains to the shared services partnership. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada each retain their executive finance committee structure. At Health Canada. it is called the Executive Committee-Planning and Accountability Committee (EC-PAC);
- The International Affairs Working Committee is a forum for identifying and addressing operational, program and policy issues related to international affairs in Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. This committee provides a forum for horizontal policy issue management, including the development of a framework for international priorities of HC and PHAC and will report to PEC as required; and,
- The Emergency Preparedness Working Committee oversees the coordination and integration of joint emergency management activities for HC/PHAC and coordinates the application of the Health Portfolio Strategic Emergency Management Plan. This committee identifies priorities and provides direction in the area of emergency management, including the development of emergency management policies, plans, training and exercises of common interest
2.2 Key measures taken by Health Canada
The control environment is an important factor for ICFR. The Department's control environment incorporates a series of measures to equip its staff to manage risks through raising awareness, providing appropriate knowledge and tools as well as developing skills. Key measures taken include:
- The Ethics and Internal Ombudsman Services committed to helping employees, work teams and the Department address conflicts, workplace concerns and ethical issues holistically;
- A new Health Canada Values and Ethics Code built on the Public Sector Code and the Treasury Board Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post Employment, to guide public servants at Health Canada in all activities related to their professional duties. This new Code came into effect in April 2012 and includes information specific to Health Canada to reflect its distinctive culture;
- A dedicated division on internal control reporting through the Deputy Chief Financial Officer to the ADM-CFO;
- Annual performance agreements which clearly set out the financial management and reporting responsibilities of its staff;
- Formal training programs and communication documents in core areas of financial management;
- Departmental policies tailored to HC's control environment;
- Documentation of main business processes and related key risk and controls to support the management and oversight of its system of ICFR; and,
- Annual review of financial signing authority cards and update of the delegated authorities matrix as required;
In addition, HC annually updates its Corporate Risk Profile which falls under the responsibility of EC-PAC. This report outlines the key risks that need to be managed over the upcoming fiscal year in order to achieve the Department's mandate and strategic objectives. This also contributes to the departmental priority setting exercise and integrated operational planning process.
2.3 Service arrangements relevant to financial statements
HC relies on other organizations for the processing of certain transactions that are recorded in its financial statements:
Common Arrangements
- Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) centrally administers the payments of salaries and the procurement of goods and services, as per HC's Delegation of Authority, as well as the Travel Expenses Management Tool (TEMT);
- Treasury Board Secretariat provides the departments with information that is used to calculate various accruals and allowances, such as the accrued severance liability;
- The Department of Justice provides legal services to HC;
- Shared Services Canada provides IT infrastructure services to other federal departments and agencies in the areas of data centre and network services; and
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides platform access to its human resources management system of record (PeopleSoft).
Specific Arrangements:
- An external service provider, pursuant to a contract with the Government of Canada, administers the Health Information and Claims Processing System for pharmacy, dental care, medical supplies and equipment benefits on behalf of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch program. The external service provider has the authority and responsibility to ensure that claims paid on behalf of HC for services provided to First Nations and Inuit clients are made in accordance with the Terms and Conditions set out by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch program. Included in the contract requirements is the condition that an independent annual assurance report on the operating effectiveness of controls be provided at the end of each reporting period in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA).
3. Departmental assessment result during fiscal year 2012-2013
3.1 Design effectiveness testing of key controls
Design effectiveness is not static. Therefore as policies, systems and procedures are amended, the design effectiveness of the key controls is reassessed and modified accordingly. This ensures compliance and that key controls are still appropriately aligned with the risks they aim to mitigate.
In 2012-2013, the focus was on completing the remaining operating effectiveness testing to complete the first full assessment.
3.2 Operating effectiveness testing of key controls
During 2012-2013, the Department completed all the remaining operating effectiveness testing of key controls as planned with a particular focus on entity level controls, Information Technology General Controls and the following business processes: financial statements, payroll, Transfer Payments, Interdepartmental Settlements, Travel and Hospitality, and Non-Insured Medical Transportation.
As a result of the operating effectiveness testing, the Department identified a number of areas requiring enhancement in order to strengthen controls. Action plans were developed for which work is still ongoing mainly in the following areas:
Process/Area | Status |
---|---|
Payroll | A Compensation Monitoring Framework was developed and is in the process of being implemented. |
Non-Insured Medical Transportation | Significant progress was made during the year to strengthen controls related to travel approval and further enhancement will be implemented based on work plan. |
System Applications - User Access Controls | All key application user accesses were reviewed and revalidated by OPIs. Access rights were updated accordingly in most areas. For the remaining, analyses are being conducted to identify remediation as required. |
Information Technology General Controls | Further strengthening is required in the area of IT program change management, monitoring of user access control procedures, and retention of documentation for audit trail purposes. |
A schedule for testing remediation was developed as per remediation implementation target dates and progress being monitored weekly and reported to DAC on a quarterly basis.
In addition, the Portfolio Audit and Accountability Bureau (PAAB) completed its second annual audit of Key Financial Controls and concluded that in general, Health Canada's internal controls over financial reporting are operating effectively to mitigate the risk of material misstatement.
4. Departmental Action Plan
4.1 Progress during fiscal year 2012-2013
During 2012-2013, the Department has continued to make significant progress in assessing and improving its key controls.
Procure to Pay Initiative
During the year, the Department has successfully implemented the Procure to Pay initiative (P2P). P2P provides an end to end solution for the electronic approvals of procurement transactions and invoices. This automation initiative is part of the Department's on-going business process improvements mandate to increase departmental efficiencies. This initiative standardized business processes, improved accuracy and timeliness of information and strengthened internal controls over financial practices by implementing electronic work flows and approvals. Furthermore, the Department has merged Health Canada's and PHAC's procurement and accounting operations and is completing the consolidation of its fourteen accounting sites across Canada into two national accounting operations hubs
Areas identified in fiscal year 2011-2012
Below is a summary of the main progress made by the Department based on the plans identified in the previous fiscal year's annex:
Process | Comments |
---|---|
Contracting | Section 33 Quality Assurance - Pre and post payment monitoring. Methodology, including enhancement of error definitions as well as follow-up and reporting of errors, was revised, communicated, and is being implemented as planned. Expenditure initiation for the procurement of services. Corrective actions were implemented and further enhancement is being made as part of the implementation of the Procure to Pay initiative. |
Revenues | Reconciliation of the data in the invoicing systems and the departmental financial system has been performed for a number of programs. Work plan is in place to support ongoing reconciliations for all programs in 2013-2014. The process and controls over the approval of credit notes is under review to ensure standardization across the Department. |
Monitoring of the implementation of the new policy on Accounting for Capital Assets | An SAP module functionality to enhance readily available access to source documents to substantiate and validate the cost and ownership of Capital Assets was implemented. Action plan developed to strengthen the process and controls for assets under construction and disposals is being implemented as planned. |
Development of a Policy on Vendor Master Records | The policy standardizing the process and controls surrounding the creation and maintenance of vendor records came into effect in 2012-2013. The process for managing Vendor Master Records via an SAP workflow approval is currently being centralized under the two national accounting hubs. |
Monitoring of FNIHB Contribution Agreements | A detailed review of prior years' contribution agreements was conducted. An action plan was developed, clarifying the process for the review, monitoring, and as applicable, the establishment and the management of accounts receivable. |
Policy on Receivable Management and Charging Interest on overdue accounts | As part of the Policy review on Receivable Management, a special focus was directed towards the closure of outstanding Contribution Agreements. This effort, as outlined above, resulted in the recording of accounts receivable for outstanding prior years' agreements including adherence to the Policy in regards to the charging of interest on overdue accounts. |
Completion of Operating Effectiveness testing
As stated in section 3.2 above, the Department completed all the remaining operating effectiveness testing of key controls. As a result, a number of areas requiring enhancement were identified, action plans for remediation were developed, and implementation work is ongoing.
4.2 Status and action plan for the next fiscal year and subsequent years
Given the extent of progress accomplished over the previous fiscal years and the fact that some required corrective actions are still under way in a number of areas, the Department's action plan for 2013-2014 includes the following:
- Follow-up and testing of remediation on the controls requiring enhancement as a result of prior years' operating effectiveness testing;
- Fully implement an ongoing risk-based monitoring strategy to ensure internal controls over financial reporting are maintained, monitored and reviewed, with timely corrective measures taken when issues are identified. The Department's rotational on-going monitoring plan over the next three years, based on the current validation of the processes and controls risks, is shown in the table below; and,
- Re-assessment of controls affected by significant changes in processes such as the P2P initiative and upcoming Grants and Contributions change management.
Elements in action plan | Year 1 2013-14 |
Year 2 2014-15 |
Year 3 2015-16 |
---|---|---|---|
Entity Level Controls | X | ||
Budget | X | X | |
Financial Statements, Year End & Reporting | X | X | X |
Revenue/Receivables/Receipts | X | ||
Purchasing Payables and Payments | X | X | |
Grants and Contributions | X | X | X |
Payroll | X | X | |
Capital Assets | X | ||
Non-Insured Health Benefits - O&M: ESI Contract | X | X | X |
Non-Insured Health Benefits - O&M: Outside ESI Contract | X | X | |
ITGC | X | ||
X = planned monitoring |
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