Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, BC Region Organization Realignment Initiative - Questions and Answers for External Stakeholders (March, 2010)

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1. What is the BC Region Organization Realignment initiative?

The Realignment initiative is an internal process that involves the redesign of the directorate structure for BC Region. The decision to realign the organization was made by the Region following an independent review in 2009 that assessed the strengths and weaknesses of our operations.

2. Why was an independent review of BC Region undertaken?

As public servants we have a responsibility to ensure that public resources are being utilized in the most effective manner. The evaluation of our operation helps us to remain accountable and focussed on results.

3. What did you learn from the Independent Review?

The review indicated that BC Region is a high performing organization with dedicated and innovative employees. It also identified organizational challenges and opportunities for improvement.

4. What kind of improvements to service can be expected?

As a result or the review, the Region has engaged in a realignment process with the primary objective of ensuring that our resources are focused on core business lines and accountabilities, while meeting our priorities of engagement with First Nations, capacity building and community development.

The changes to the organization will contribute to our people and teams working more collaboratively and efficiently to serve our clients. For example, we anticipate that clients will benefit from the alignment of the people who deliver social and education programs with the people who manage the funding for these programs. The coordination of these functions will result in better communication and more informed responses by front line staff to questions relating to education and social matters.

5. Is this a downsizing or cost cutting exercise?

No. This initiative only involves realigning existing resources within a new directorate structure. There are no planned reductions in staff. Our objective is to harness the resources that we have to improve service delivery.     

6. Will service be affected while BC Region is going through the change process?

During the transition period, we do not anticipate any impacts to on-going services and operations.

7. How long will the realignment process take?

The new structure will be in place as of April 1, 2010, with all work related to the realignment targeted for completion by June 30, 2010. Once the new structure is established, our focus will turn to improving business processes, systems and service delivery models.

8. Have First Nations had an opportunity to comment on proposed changes to your operation?

The ultimate goal of the BC Region Realignment is to benefit our First Nations clients by improving our internal structure and operation.

Jeff Loucks, Regional Director General, has met with numerous Chiefs & Councils over the past two years and had the opportunity to engage with them on how we can be better at what we do. The one consistent message coming back is the need to improve our level of service and build strong relationships.

Blair Carlson, Associate Regional Director General, has also been talking with a number of First Nations leaders in BC about the realignment, and has had discussions with BC Aboriginal organizations about service delivery on an ongoing basis.

The Region has also consulted with our clients through the Funding Agreement Management Committee (FAMC). We continue to receive input from members through a number of channels including, direct dialogue, at meetings and through formal surveys. We have been actively engaged with the FAMC membership in developing business service standards.