By Vivienne Russell | 15 May 2014
Two Canadian public sector financial management initiatives have been recognised for innovation and exemplary delivery by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.
In a decision judges called ‘too close to call’, both Health Canada and the Treasury Board Secretariat were honoured with the prestigious Innovation Award at the CPA Canada Awards of Excellence in Public Sector Financial Management.
CIPFA is a sponsor of the annual awards, which were handed out at a gala in Ottawa last night. The innovation award celebrates innovative thinking, leadership and exemplary delivery of financial services that lead to higher productivity and/or cost savings.
Commenting on the winners, Kevin Dancey, president and chief executive of CPA Canada, said: ‘Both groups demonstrated exemplary commitment to innovation and the sound financial management of public funds.’
Health Canada’s Procure to Pay initiative created an integrated platform serving Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. It consolidates 14 accounting offices and 12 procurement offices into just two hubs saving around $2m annually.
The team at the Treasury Board Secretariat successfully changes the way many departments prepare their cabinet submissions. The new guidelines the team developed will help meet cabinet ministers’ expectations of the soundness and quality of the financial information being presented to them.
The award ceremony also recognised Andrew Smith, director of financial management advisory services at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 34-year contribution to excellent public financial management in Canada.
CPA Canada said Smith had helped ‘countless’ colleagues develop into highly capable financial specialists.
