A classification system is used to guide how the Public Agencies Governance Framework applies to various groups of agencies.

Discussion

While all the framework policies apply to all agencies, the way the policies are implemented can vary significantly.  For example, adjudicative agencies need to ensure policy implementation respects the principle of their judicial independence.  

Categories are primarily a tool for identifying best practices; they can help similar agencies learn from common experiences.  However, variation in governance practices is expected both across and within categories, according to the size, complexity and mandate of the agency.

Every agency can be fit into one of the five functional categories, based on their primary purpose:

• Regulatory/adjudicative agencies– Regulatory agencies license, make rules and/or oversee a sector (e.g. the Automobile Insurance Rate Board). Adjudicative agencies make independent, quasi-judicial decisions (e.g. the Métis Settlements Appeals Tribunal). Some agencies may perform both regulatory and adjudicative functions (e.g. the Natural Resources Conservation Board).
• Public trust agencies – administer provincial financial and/or other assets in the public interest (e.g. the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (financial assets) or the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (other assets)).
• Corporate enterprise agencies – provide or sell goods or services to the public in a commercial manner (e.g. Alberta Treasury Branches).
• Service delivery agencies – provide and/or direct government services (e.g. Regional Health Authorities or Child and Family Service Authority Boards).
• Advisory agencies – provide advice to government (e.g. the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta).

Determination of which category an agency belongs in should be based on the primary function of the agency, recognizing that the entity may also have work related to one or more of the other categories.

The Agency Governance Secretariat will determine an agency’s classification in consultation with the agency and responsible ministries.