The fate of recommendations
| Author | Glenn Wheeler |
| DOI | 10.1177/1035719X0700700103 |
| Published date | 01 March 2007 |
| Date | 01 March 2007 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
12 Evaluation Journal of Australasia, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2007
Evaluation Journal of Australasia, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2007, pp. 12–18
REFEREED ARTICLE
The fate of recommendations
Critical factors in the implementation of programs
delivered to First Nations in Canada
This article examines a case of recommendation
implementation in evaluation practice. It summarizes
the results of a performance audit, Management of
Programs for First Nations, completed by the Offi ce
of the Auditor General of Canada and reported to the
Canadian Parliament in May 2006. The performance
audit took an innovative approach to examining First
Nations programs that included applying a causal lens to
identify and understand factors critical to the successful
use of recommendations in complex government
decision-making.
The performance audit assessed the progress
of federal departments in implementing
recommendations that the Auditor General had made
in audits reported between 2000 and 2003 on First
Nations issues. The Offi ce of the Auditor General’s
performance audits usually make recommendations
and sometimes follow-up audits report on their
implementation, but typically do not address the
reasons behind the progress of adoption; this audit
was different in that it attempted to ascertain some
of the reasons for progress or the lack of progress.
This innovative approach resulted in the identifi cation
of several factors that appear to be critical to the
successful implementation of recommendations, and
to the successful design and delivery of programs.
Introduction
This article fi rst describes Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the nature of
their relationship with the Canadian federal government, as well as the federal
government’s responsibilities to them. It then outlines the mandate of the Offi ce of
the Auditor General of Canada and its rationale for undertaking the performance
audit. Finally, the methodological approach, as well as the fi ndings, are discussed.
The information presented in this paper is drawn largely from the audit chapter,
‘Management of programs for First Nations’, included in Report of the Auditor
General of Canada, May 2006 (Auditor General of Canada 2006).
Glenn Wheeler
Glenn Wheeler is a Principal with
the Offi ce of the Auditor General of
Canada, Ottawa, Canada. Email:
<glenn.wheeler@oag-bvg.gc.ca>
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