AG cites AAFC for delays in implementing S&T strategy

The latest report of the Office of the Auditor General (AG) has blasted Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for dragging its feet on implementing its 2006 science and innovation strategy. The AG found that AAFC's research branch's action plan was woefully incomplete, with no information on human resources, equipment and facilities and financial requirements for implementation. It was also critical of the department's communications plan, monitoring of research projects and collaborative agreements. The AG was particularly harsh on AAFC's handling of its Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program, which was to allocate $145 million for research networks. The AG says the process was fraught with problems from its inception and that only 30% of the funding actually went to non-governmental research — ostensibly the main purpose of the program....