PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The Agency is a new organization with new staff and a new way of doing business. It is remarkable that, so soon after the hiring of the senior management team, we were administering operating agreements and hard at work with co-operatives in serious difficulty. In 2006, we focused on meeting the high expectations of housing co-ops. We sometimes needed to adapt our plans in order to provide superior service and meet our obligations to CMHC.

In spite of some challenges, 2006 held much that was positive. I think particularly of co-ops’ level of engagement with our risk-rating reports. Our risk-rating process is the basis for the Agency’s claim that we will be able to improve the overall risk profile of housing co-ops. This process is already helping us identify co-ops at risk before their difficulties become too great. Many co-ops reacted quickly when rated Above Average in risk, owing to an isolated problem such as underinsurance. Within a few months, more than half these co-ops had increased their insurance to the recommended level. I am proud of our role in supporting the voices of members, directors and managers who want their co-ops to set an example of excellence.

Working with the amazing team of people at the Agency has been a rewarding experience. Over the past year, I have been impressed by their dedication, their skill and their devotion to helping co-ops. With the continued commitment of the team, I am confident that we are turning the Agency vision into a reality.