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 of Evaluation, Audit and Evaluation Branch, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Cédric Ménard is a highly motivated professional evaluator with over 15 years of extensive experience in public administration and program evaluation who believes in results-based, innovative and collaborative public service.

As the Director of Evaluation at Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada, Cedric has led transformative evaluation initiatives and developed innovative evaluation policies to ensure ongoing modernization in the public service. His previous roles at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Canada School of Public Service have equipped him with a profound understanding of policy development, performance measurement, and community engagement. Cedric holds a Master of Public Administration in Program Evaluation from the École nationale d’administration publique and an International Diploma in International Policy Analysis from Sciences Po. His dedication to fostering effective management practices and building strategic relationships has significantly contributed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public programs in Canada. Cedric’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public service continue to inspire and drive positive change within the government sector.

Jane Stewart, Director, Horizontal Results and Reporting, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Jane Stewart leads the development and delivery of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s results story, including coordination with the department’s programs, data management and communications teams. She also leads the Investing in Canada Plan secretariat, ensuring governance and results reporting for the $188 billion whole-of government infrastructure plan. She has an expansive career in federal, FPT, research and international non-government organizations, with experience working in the government, not-for-profit, academia and corporate sectors on results storytelling, horizontal oversight, governance and reporting, and environmental and natural resource policy development. She has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development from University of Guelph.

Frederick Juane, Director, Corporate Planning, Reporting, Results and Risks, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Frederick Juane serves as Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada’s (HICC) Chief Risk Officer, Service Management Officer and delegated Senior Designated Official for Project Management. He also supports HICC’s Head of Performance Measurement in achieving her responsibilities particularly in the development of the Departmental Results Framework and in conducting functional results reviews for Treasury Board Submissions.

Frederick is also responsible for leading HICC’s Departmental Results Report, Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, Corporate Risk Profile, Departmental Investment Plan, Project Management Framework, Risk Compliance Process, Service Inventory, and Departmental Plan, including the setting of departmental priorities.

With over 20 years of experience in the federal public service, Frederick has acquired specialized training and expertise that allows him to provide strategic leadership. His approach fosters collaboration, streamlines processes, and drives the execution of innovative strategies. A results-oriented professional, he thrives on tackling new challenges and seizing opportunities for improvements.