Summary of the Evaluation of the Transfer Payment Program for the Canadian Firearms Program

On this page

• Context
• Methodology
• What we found
• Recommendations

Context

The Transfer Payment Program (TPP) for the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) is a program that provides payment from the Government of Canada to a province, territory, Indigenous community or not-for-profit organization to assist with the application of the Firearms Act. The TPP consists of two elements: Firearms Funding Program for Opt-in Provinces and Territories and the Funding Program for Aboriginal and/or Other Communities and Organizations (AOCO).

The objective of the evaluation was to provide a neutral, timely and evidence-based assessment of the TPP. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness and efficiency of the TPP against its stated objectives within element one and element two. The evaluation was based on the following questions:

1. To what extent is there effective administration and delivery of the transfer payment program?
2. To what extent is there efficient administration and delivery of the transfer payment program?

Methodology

Interviews

Eight interviews with RCMP stakeholders

Document review

Policy and guidance documents, annual reports, reviews, assessments and terms and conditions

Questionnaire

Questionnaire administered to five chief firearms officers (CFOs) and with responses from 2 CFOs

Performance data

Financial and internal performance data from the CFP

What we found

1. The TPP contributes to the effective administration of the Firearms Funding Program for Opt-in Provinces and Territories.
2. The administration of the funding program for Aboriginal and/or Other Communities and Organizations could be improved to better realize its objectives.
3. Recent changes, such as updating the terms and conditions, developing a funding formula, and further clarifying roles and responsibilities, have made the TPP process more equitable and efficient. However, further efficiencies can be realized.

Recommendations

1. Explore options to better utilize AOCO funding through increased promotion and an assessment of how the program could be better leveraged in other RCMP CFP strategies involving northern communities.
2. Explore options to further enhance efficiencies in the TPP financial processes.