2006 November Report of the Auditor General of Canada

Awarding the contract

10.19 In awarding the next contract, Public Works and Government Services Canada should comply with the Treasury Board Contracting Policy and ensure that the successful bid meets all the mandatory requirements.
(10.11–10.18)

Public Works and Government Services Canada's response. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) agrees with this recommendation and will ensure that all contracts awarded comply with the Treasury Board Contracting Policy, including the requirement that successful bidders meet all mandatory requirements.

Since 1997, the rules to determine the extent of maintaining relevant documentation have been strengthened. In 2002, as a result of a Canadian International Trade Tribunal recommendation, PWGSC amended its procedures to ensure that complete documentation is maintained for each procurement.

Managing the contract

10.36 Health Canada should comply with sections 33 and 34 of the Financial Administration Act for the payment of medically necessary health-related goods and services under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
(10.26–10.35)

Health Canada's response. Health Canada agrees to take all steps necessary to ensure that all requirements of sections 33 and 34 of the  Financial Administration Act are met.

10.40 Health Canada should modify its Delegation of Financial Signing Authorities document for the First Canadian Health Management Corporation Inc. contract to ensure that the delegated authority to officials signing under section 34 of the Financial Administration Act for the payment of medically necessary health-related goods and services is sufficiently clear.
(10.37–10.39)

Health Canada's response. Health Canada agrees and will clarify the wording in the Delegation of Financial Signing Authorities document pertaining to the delegated authority of officials approving the payment of medically necessary health-related goods and services.