Agency Governance Secretariat (AGS)
The Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA) was proclaimed in force on June 12, 2013.
The Agency Governance Secretariat (AGS) supports departments and agencies in understanding and implementing the Government of Alberta's expectations on governance practices as established in the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA) and the Public Agencies Governance Framework (Framework). AGS provides information, advice, tools and training. It also facilitates communication and collaboration across government on governance topics of common interest.
Governance refers to the processes used to structure and oversee provincial agencies so that they can achieve their mandates effectively. Governance is concerned with people, structures and procedures for decision-making, accountability, control and codes of conduct. It is expressed through legislation, policies, by-laws and relationships.
As agencies are involved in a significant portion of the Government of Alberta's operations, the government must be confident that agencies are well governed. Generally, Alberta's public agencies already have sound governance structures and practices that address not only board operations but also such issues as director orientation and conflicts of interest. However, governance models and best practices continue to evolve. Departments and agencies have a responsibility to constantly review and update their practices to match opportunities and changing needs. It is the role of AGS to provide support.
Cabinet adopted the Framework in response to At a Crossroads: the Report of the Board Governance Review Task Force (2007). In turn, the policies in the Framework guided the development of the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA), which was proclaimed on June 12, 2013.
