In a bid to revitalize an old operational model, the Canadian government is revisiting the concept of special operating agencies (SOAs) that first emerged in 1989 under the Mulroney administration. Initially created to enhance efficiency and innovation in government operations, over a dozen SOAs like Passport Canada and the Translation Bureau were established. However, the government’s interest in expanding this model waned over the past three decades, resulting in the creation of only a few additional SOAs.
Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has reignited this approach by introducing three new special operating agencies: Build Canada Homes, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Major Projects Office. These agencies are tasked with overseeing the allocation of significant funds and driving various projects to bolster Canada’s economy amidst the trade tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Advocates of SOAs argue that these agencies offer enhanced flexibility and speed in decision-making processes. While traditionally there were only a limited number of SOAs, primarily focusing on specialized areas within federal departments, Carney’s new agencies operate somewhat discreetly, with specific operational details kept confidential.
Although the framework agreements for SOAs are crucial for ensuring accountability, recent attempts to access these documents for the three new agencies have proven challenging. The Treasury Board website, which outlined the significance of these agreements in ensuring transparency, has been archived since 2012. Despite this, efforts to obtain framework agreements for the newly established agencies have been met with obstacles, with some departments citing confidentiality as a reason for not disclosing the information.
The Building Canada Act, passed by Parliament, sheds light on the operational guidelines for the Major Projects Office. While enabling streamlined approvals for certain decisions, the legislation does not grant exemptions from various laws, including the Investment Canada Act and the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act.
Former Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick emphasized the importance of transparency in releasing framework agreements to the public, highlighting the need for accountability in managing significant financial resources and projects involving the private sector. Wernick noted that SOAs operate within specified rules but possess greater autonomy and authority compared to standard government departments.
Despite some success stories, the effectiveness of federal SOAs has varied over the years, with instances of agencies being disbanded due to evolving priorities or budget constraints. Observers like Kevin Page underscore the necessity for transparency and public access to framework agreements and business plans for the new special operating agencies, especially given the substantial financial investments and collaborations with the private sector involved in these projects.