Very good. Thank you, Chair.
Thank you all for your attendance today.
Again, it won't come as a surprise to anyone that when it comes to services for indigenous peoples, Canada does an abysmal job, especially when compared with our reputation in so many other areas. This report is not the worst I've seen—I've seen some nightmares come through here—but it's still not good. My colleagues have already addressed some of the most obvious questions. I'd like to drill down just a little, if I might.
Auditor General, at the beginning of the year, or certainly near the beginning of the term, you presented us with the fact that you consider data collection, data analysis, and accuracy of data to be key components. You were concerned, and you addressed our committee about the fact that it needed to change, that after all these years, we're great at getting bunches of data—my word—but in using them effectively, analyzing them effectively, and getting the best benefit, it hasn't been so good; again, my word.
I want to focus on that. In your report, on page 10, paragraph 4.45, you say, “However, Department officials informed us that the apparent decline in enrolment might reflect poor quality in data collection and recording...”. On the very next page, your recommendation is that Health Canada “should improve” its analysis of data.
Deputy, in your remarks, I found at least three occasions where you mentioned it. On page 4 you talked about data collection, analysis, and reporting. On page 5 you mentioned that your plan will ensure that data collected in the course of the delivery of services will be accurate and rich enough to contribute to overall improved management. On page 6 you talked again talked about the importance. In fact, we find that it's a focus of the action plan, which is a critical component of the work we do. In there, referring to the recommendations coming from paragraph 4.47, the key interim milestones, you make a reference to the data improvement strategy working group.
I would like you to talk to me about that group. Is that new? Is it a result of the initiatives of the AG? Is it something you've always had? Can you talk to me about that, please, before I go any further? Again, it's the data improvement strategy working group.