Departmental Performance Report (2012-2013) - Supplementary Tables

User Fees and External Fees

• Fees charged for the processing of access requests filed under the Access to Information Act
• New Substances Notification Regulations
• Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area – Admission fees to the NWA
• Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area – Hunting permits
• Migratory Bird Program – Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit
• Migratory Bird Program – Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp
• Aviculture, Taxidermy or Eiderdown
• Disposal at Sea Permit Application Fee
• Disposal at Sea Permit Fee
• User Fee Totals
• External Fees (Policy on Service Standards for External Fees)

Fees charged for the processing of access requests filed under the Access to Information Act

Fee type: Other products and services (O)

Fee-setting authority: Access to Information Act (ATIA)

Year last modified: 1992

Performance standards:

A response is provided within 30 calendar days following the receipt of a request. The response time may be extended pursuant to section 9 of the ATIA. A notice of extension must be sent within 30 days of the receipt of a request.

The Access to Information Act provides further details.

Performance results:

Environment Canada received 1,827 requests in 2012–2013.

The Department processed 1,810 requests, including some carried over from previous years, and carried 185 requests forward to 2013–2014.

The Department was able to complete 66% of requests within 30 days or less. Of all completed requests, 88% were completed within legislated deadlines.

Other information:

Under the Access to Information Act, fees may be waived when deemed to be in the public interest. Fees waived during 2012–2013 totalled $11,460.

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New Substances Notification Regulations

Fee type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: New Substances Fees Regulations

Year last modified: 2010

Performance standards:

1. All New Substances Notification submissions received are acknowledged by letter, email or facsimile within 10 days.
2. All New Substances Notification submissions are reviewed (assessed) for their potential adverse effects on human health or the environment and decisions are taken within the regulatory deadline to minimize such effects.

Performance results:

1. 100% of the 504 New Substances Notification submissions received were acknowledged by letter, email or facsimile within 10 days of their receipt.
2. 100% of the 504 New Substances Notification submissions were triaged and reviewed within the established period. Of the 504 New Substances Notification submissions, 28 were assessed as substances of concern. Consequently, the New Substances Program published, in the Canada Gazette, 6 Ministerial Conditions and 22 Significant New Activity Notices.

Other information:

Fees are shared with Health Canada in the following proportion:

• 2/3 for Environment Canada
• 1/3 for Health Canada

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Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area – Admission fees to the NWA

Fee type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Canada Wildlife Act, section 12; Wildlife Area Regulations

Year last modified: 2003

Performance standards:

The public has access to quality services. The services include access to information on the regulation of the National Wildlife Area (NWA) and the activities that are offered, access to facilities, including an interpretation centre and a 20 km pedestrian trail network, as well as access to interpretation services.

The performance standards are to ensure that access to services is provided to a requester within minutes of the purchase and that visitors appreciate the services that are provided.

Performance results:

In 2012-2013, the access to services has been provided to all visitors (35 000) within minutes after their entry at the Area. The verbal comments gathered from about 50 visitors in 2012 demonstrate a general level of satisfaction with respect to the quality of the services. A survey of 500 visitors will be conducted in 2013–2014 to test our service standards and obtain results regarding the performance of the program. As well, the survey tool will be used to consult stakeholders on various aspect of the program.

Other information:

A comparative study of revenue generated versus costs for reception and interpretation services in 2012–2013 have shown that, despite streamlining efforts, expenses have always exceeded revenues since 2003. This is mainly due to the increase in consumer prices for goods and services, particularly petroleum products, that are required for the operation of the NWA. Also, the number of visitors to the NWA has considerably decreased since 2003, although a rise in the number of youth groups from summer camps was noted.

In 2013–2014, the operation and maintenance costs for the NWA are expected to continue to considerably exceed the generated revenue.

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Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area – Hunting permits

Fee type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Canada Wildlife Act, section 12; Wildlife Area Regulations

Year last modified: 2001

Performance standards:

The public has access to quality controlled-hunt activities. The activities include hunting site preparation, decoys, training sessions, supervision by qualified staff and access to safe facilities. In order to access the activities, Canadian residents submit a non-refundable application fee and, if they are chosen by lot, a non-refundable hunting permit is issued.

The performance standards are to ensure that following the application process for a hunting permit, the hunters who are chosen by lot are informed within two months after the draw, and that hunters appreciate the services provided.

Performance results:

In 2012–2013, all hunters who were chosen by lot have been informed within two months after the draw. A survey of hunters conducted in 2005 demonstrated that there was a general level of satisfaction, and that many hunters register for the Cap Tourmente Controlled Hunt program year after year. The verbally gathered comments in 2012 from hunters demonstrate a general level of satisfaction with respect to the quality of the services. This is also demonstrated by the constant level of applications to get a permit (between 800-900/year) and by the fact that the 112 hunting packages are sold every year. In 2013–2014, another survey will be conducted with hunters to test our new performance standards and obtain results regarding our performance. As well, the survey tool will be used to consult stakeholders on various aspects of the program.

Other information:

A comparative study of generated revenues versus costs for the Controlled Hunt conducted in 2012–2013 showed that, despite streamlined operational costs and a reduced service offer (the Controlled Fall Hunt Program was restructured in 2001, 2006 and 2010), expenses have always exceeded revenues. In 2013–2014, it is expected that the Controlled Fall Hunt Program’s operation and maintenance costs will continue to exceed the generated revenue. Around 400 people hunted at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in 2012–2013.

From early February to end of April, hunters can send their application fee for participating in the draw. The draw is done in early May (800-1000 applicants) and applicants get their ranking order by regular mail by the end of May. In June the first 150 applicants or so get a phone call to offer a hunting spot. Once their payment is done, the activity is confirmed. There are 112 packages for groups of 4 (the applicant and 3 friends). The hunting permit is given on site in October.

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Migratory Bird Program – Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

Fee type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, section 12; Migratory Birds Regulations, C.R.C., c.1035

Year last modified: 1998 – SOR/98-314

Performance standards:

The total cost of a Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Permit is $17.00. Of that amount, $8.50 is the fee for the permit and $8.50 is the cost for the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. This stamp must be affixed to the permit to make it valid. MGBH permits are available for sale as of August 1 at Canada Post offices and from select provincial and private vendors.

The performance standards are to ensure that an adequate number of permits are available for distribution for the open hunting season and that Canadian citizens or other individuals acquiring a permit can obtain one within a reasonable time.

There are currently no talks underway to increase permit prices.

Performance results:

MGBH permits were available by August 1 at Canada Post outlets throughout the country. Permits were also provided to independent vendors upon request.

As the primary vendor of permits, Canada Post provided information and assistance through its helpline for those who wished to obtain permits. Environment Canada also assists Canadians in locating a permit, or in making a complaint about obtaining a permit through Environment Canada’s Inquiry Centre. Private vendors can also obtain additional permits within 3 to 5 days from Environment Canada.

Hunters or their representatives must go to a postal outlet or to a private vendor's location in person to purchase their MGBH permits. The permits are available within minutes after completing the transaction.

* Under review

Other information:

The full cost and estimated full cost include the development, printing and distribution of the permit and hunting summaries. Hunting summaries are one-page summaries of the annual hunting regulations for each province and territory, including season dates and bag limits. Costs also include the National Harvest Survey, a voluntary survey that is completed by hunters (survey stub that is attached to the permit, mailings, data entry, data analysis, etc.). It provides data to help to assess the status of migratory game bird populations in Canada, their productivity, survival rates, and the amount of harvest they can sustain.

A review of the cost of the MGBH permit program will be completed in 2013–2014. An assessment will consider what percentage of the costs for the program should be recovered from the revenue collected via user fees.

In the 2013–2014 fiscal year, income from the sale of MGBH permits will be deposited into Environment Canada’s vote-netted revenue account.

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Migratory Bird Program – Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp

Fee type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Migratory Bird Convention Act, 1994, section 12; Migratory Bird Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1035

Year last modified: 1991

Performance standards:

The retail value of each Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp is $8.50. For a Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Permit to be valid, the stamp must be affixed to it. The stamp is available in philatelic form for collectors.

The philatelic stamp is packaged in a booklet and is not valid for postage. The price of the philatelic Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp ranges from $8.50 for a single stamp, to $34.00 for a block of 4 stamps and $136.00 for a sheet of 16 stamps. A limited number of booklets signed by the artist whose painting was used for the stamp are also available for $20.00 each. The philatelic stamps are available as of April 1 from Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC).

The performance standard is to ensure that an adequate number of stamps are available for both the MGBH Permits and philatelic purposes.

Performance results:

In the 2012–2013 fiscal year, a sufficient number of Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamps were available to satisfy purchases of philatelic products and MGBH Permit requirements. No complaints were received concerning the availability of philatelic stamp products.

Other information:

All revenues generated from the sale of the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp are directed to Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC). The full cost is calculated as the direct contribution to WHC of the actual revenues generated from the stamp sales (those affixed to the MGBH Permit and other philatelic products), plus the costs of producing and distributing those stamps. The cost to produce the stamp is $43,000.

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Aviculture, Taxidermy or Eiderdown

Fee Type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, section 12; Migratory Birds Regulations

Year last modified: Prior to 1978

Performance standards:

These permits are issued by Environment Canada regional offices for a fee of $10 each after reviewing applications from the public. To be successful, applicants must meet certain requirements; for example, with respect to aviculture, applicants must demonstrate that they will wing-clip/pinion or keep the birds in an enclosure to prevent mixing with wild populations. Each region can attach specific conditions to each permit. Permits generally expire on December 31 of the year issued. The performance standard is to review all applications received and issue permits, or notify applicants of the reasons for denying a permit, within 30 days of receiving the application.

Performance results: 99% of all applications were processed within the 30-day timeframe.

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Disposal at Sea Permit Application Fee

Fee Type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), subsection 135(1); Disposal at Sea Regulations

Year last modified: 2001

Performance standards: Under the application fee, each application is reviewed according to Schedule 6 of CEPA 1999 and the Disposal at Sea Regulations. This involves public notice, an application that provides detailed data, scientific review, and the payment of fees. Each permit is published in the Canada Gazette (now in the CEPA Registry) and is issued to the permit holder within 120 days of applying if the application is complete and there are no issues from other stakeholders.

Performance results:

Met service standard of permit issuance within 120 days of receipt of a complete application on 85% of issued permits. The service standard was met nationally, with 93% of permits nationally issued within timeframes.

For further details, see www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/.

*Full cost figures do not include EC indirect and Other Government Department (OGD) costs. An internal exercise is underway to validate the full costs and appropriateness of user fees.

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Disposal at Sea Permit Fee

Fee type: Regulatory (R)

Fee-setting authority: Financial Administration Act (FAA), par. 19.1(a); Disposal at Sea Permit Fee Regulations

Year last modified: 2010

Performance standards: The permittee has access to a permitted site and the ability to dispose of 1,000 m³ of dredged or excavated material for each $470 paid. The collected revenue is used by the Disposal at Sea Program to operate a representative national disposal site monitoring program that allows the client group as a whole to continue to have access to suitable disposal sites and to demonstrate to the Canadian public that the resource is being used sustainably. This indicator has found to be insufficiently clear and will be revised for next year.

Performance results:

Met the service standards. Permittees disposed of the dredged and excavated material authorized by their permits. Representative monitoring was carried out in accordance with monitoring guidelines. For further details see www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/.

Major projects, particularly on the West Coast, will likely cause higher disposal volumes and increase the costs of monitoring in future years. Following the spike in major development, costs and revenues are expected to return to lower levels. The revenues and costs associated with this user fee are variable and difficult to estimate in advance due to the following: dredging and disposal are cyclical and vary from year to year; the client base is small, consisting of a few clients with very large volumes; there is a requirement for payment of 50% of the Disposal at Sea (DAS) Permit up front; and permits that are refundable, at any time, for the unused part.

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User Fee Totals

Subtotal – Regulatory

Subtotal – Other Products and Services

Total

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External Fees (Policy on Service Standards for External Fees)