You are right. I think it would be preferable for CIDA not to evaluate its own programs. What does USAID do? The American legislation requires that it hire outside experts, people who do not work for USAID. The evaluations are done by academics, members of various foundations, but they are nevertheless paid by USAID. They are sent off for three weeks to do an evaluation, and the fact that they are paid by USAID may be a type of conflict of interest. It could change their findings to some extent. Therefore, it would be preferable to have this done by an independent body.
On December 5th, 2006. See this statement in context.