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2002 December Report of the Auditor General of Canada

December 2002 Report—Chapter 1

Case Study 1.2—The Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group Inc.: Meeting the management challenge

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, represented by the Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group Inc. holds the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement for First Nations in Saskatchewan. On behalf of the Group, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies co-ordinates the responsibilities related to this contribution agreement with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) for all First Nations people in the province (on- and off-reserve) through management agreements with 24 local boards. These local boards operate quite independently and decide which employment training projects will be supported. The local boards report annually to the Group.

The program operates with tight controls. HRDC uses a population-based model to distribute funds and requires the Institute to submit an annual expenditure plan. A number of specific targets are negotiated annually including the number of individuals returning to work, the number successfully completing their programs, short-term Employment Insurance Account unpaid benefits, and the number of child care spaces that must be supported and occupied. Quarterly activity reports, financial data, and annual audited financial statements are also required. The Institute monitors local board activities semi-annually. It has an advanced database to manage client information, and send required reports electronically to HRDC headquarters. The reports are reviewed by HRDC regional officials, quality assurance is carried out, and results are reviewed in conjunction with departmental headquarters.

Source: Human Resources Development Canada and Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group Inc.