CCME State of the Environment Reporting Harmonization Workshop ...

Due to imminent cuts in resources to Environment Canada's State of the Environment
Directorate, employee morale is low, resulting in an inevitable decline in productivity. At
present, only a small number of participants will be left to form a task group for core reporting
when the Directorate is disbanded in July 1996. The future organization of the Indicators Branch
is uncertain at this time. More immediate problems face the completion of the 1996 Report.
Insufficient funding is available for the editing and translation of documents in 1996/97. The
result of fewer resources is that priorities need to be set and innovative ways to complete those
priorities need to be sought.
C) What do our clients want?
Several market and user surveys have confirmed that comprehensive and timely
environmental information is key to all levels of decision-making.
· Electronic access to timely environmental information is on the rise, but printed
products still remain the primary source of environmental information.
· Everything we used to offer and more.
The majority of the clients still request printed material. Even with a push towards electronic
access to information, it is difficult to bypass the paper stage. Clients will continue to demand all
that is offered now and will look for more new and updated information through the latest
technology.
D) How can we meet those expectations?
· Less comprehensive, more timely.
· More electronic products:
- Internet and CD-ROM
· On-demand printing.
· Spin-off products:
- Teachers' Kits, videos, multi-media products
New technology such as CD-ROM and the Internet allow for easier and faster access to the latest
information. Use of these outlets, and on-demand printing, frees up resources because the client
and/or a sponsor picks up the costs of printing and distribution. Research and development of
reporting products continue to be a basic government responsibility. While sponsorship may
offset costs, care must be taken to offset the perception of the private sector influencing data or
decision making.
E) Will users pay and how much?
User Fees: $75 - $100 per vision.
Environment Canada will recover production costs only.
Research and preparation part of core mandate of the Government.
· Price sensitivity is still an issue.
Many factors influence the cost of a product, such as the size of the document, number printed,
hard or soft cover, etc. Only the production costs will be recovered, not the costs associated with
the research, development, and integration of information. However, with on-demand printing,
down loading of the Internet, and private sector sponsorship, the prices of the products may be
lowered. Discounts to schools are a consideration. A strategy to support government need,
while at the same time meeting the client's need, is critical.
Proceedings: CCME SOE Harmonization Workshop IV Page 4