The table on page 15 contains the estimated costs and the real costs of the projects. We said that two projects were well planned and well governed. Those two projects cost less than expected. It was estimated that the 2006 Census On-Line project would cost $14.5 million, but it ended up costing $12.3 million. The initial estimate for another CRA project was $22 million, but it ended up costing only $11 million.
However, the initial budget of another project was $16 million, but that was revised upward to $53 million. The Secure Channel project had an initial budget of $96 million, but it was reviewed and increased to $400 million. As for the AgConnex project, it was cancelled. The budget for these projects had to be increased, which underscores the importance of rigorous planning and a thorough cost evaluation.
I sometimes get the impression that the estimated costs are too low. The final cost is realistic, but the estimated cost might not be. You need planning and competent people to manage the projects.