Quality of Life Framework: From Theory to Practice in Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

This panel discussion on the implementation of the Quality of Life (QoL) Framework for Canada at Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada (HICC) will explore the efforts of HICC in integrating QoL across the department. The objective is to provide a case example of how one department has enhanced to weave QoL into policy development, program design and operations. Specifically, the presentation will highlight:

• HICC’s processes and success stories, showcasing projects and initiatives that have positively impacted quality of life; and,
• Sharing key lessons learned from these experiences.

Following this, the discussion will cover program evaluation with a policy lens, outlining the approaches used to evaluate programs and policies, and how these evaluation results inform policy decisions and improvements. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat will provide an overview of the QoL Framework (its origins, structure and purpose) and its implementation in the Government of Canada.

Next, the discussion will shift to the role of corporate planning and reporting at HICC, detailing how its Departmental Results Framework is integrated into strategic planning processes and the methods used to report on performance and outcomes related to quality-of-life domains and indicators. The panel will then explore both results and risks management aspects, discussing the results framework used by HICC to measure success and the strategies for identifying and mitigating risks associated with implementing the framework across the department.

Finally, performance measurement and evaluation can inform planning, priority setting, policy and program developments, and resources allocations. Its integration into program evaluation can enable a richer understanding of a program’s relevance and impact, making evaluations more meaningful to broader audiences of Canadians.

Peter Robertson, Director, Frameworks Integration Unit, Results Division, Treasury Board Secretariat
Peter Robertson has over 20 years of experience in the federal public service. He is currently the Director of the Frameworks Integration Unit in the Results Division at the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), where he is responsible for the implementation of the Quality of Life Framework in decision-making and supporting the role of the President of the Treasury Board’s role in implementing the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act. Prior to joining TBS, Peter worked for over a decade as an economist in the Liaison Secretariat for Macroeconomic Policy at the Privy Council Office, where he was responsible for pension and compensation policy. He started his career at the Department of Finance in the Economic and Fiscal Policy Branch. Peter holds an M.Sc. in Economics from l’Université de Montréal and has graduated from the Senior Executive Advanced Finance and Accounting Program, which is delivered by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.

Cédric Ménard, Director, Audit and Evaluation Branch, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Cédric Ménard is a highly motivated professional evaluator who believes in results-based, innovative, collaborative, adaptable, diverse and ethical public service. He is intrigued by program evaluation theory and the use of data in decision-making processes.

Since 2021, Cedric has been working as Director of Evaluation at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC). Prior joined HICC, he worked as a Senior Results Policy and Functional Community Engagement Advisor within the Results Division at Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada. He has acquired over 15 years of experience in performance measurement, program evaluation, data analysis by having complete several evaluator and analyst roles for Health Canada, Canada School of Public Service and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Cédric’s educational background includes a Master’s degree in Program Evaluation and Public Administration from the École nationale de l’administration publique and an International bachelor program diploma from the Institut d’études politiques de Paris.

Jane Stewart, Director, PRB, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Frederick Juane, Director, Corporate Planning, Reporting, Results and Risks, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada