3.1 Information technology (IT) enables the federal government to effect operations and service transformation. IT is strategically critical to increasing government productivity and enhancing government services to the public for the benefit of citizens, businesses, taxpayers and employees. This directive provides essential support for the management of IT in the areas of IT governance, IT planning and IT strategy.

3.2 The federal government invests a significant portion of its annual budget on information technology and supporting infrastructure. Rapidly developing technology, incompatible business practices and the fragmented approach to IT investments undermine effective and efficient delivery of government programs and services. Multiple data centres and networks also pose significant security risks. A more strategic approach to IT investments is needed to ensure interoperability of departmental systems and compatible business practices.

3.3 This directive supports the Policy on Management of Information Technology by providing departmental chief information officers (CIO) or equivalents or other officials supporting the management of IT with additional requirements to ensure consistency in IT management processes.

3.4 This directive is to be read in conjunction with the Policy Framework for Information and Technology, the Policy on Management of Information Technology and the Policy on Information Management. The directive is also related to the Policy on Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services and the Policy on the Management of Projects. The departmental IT plan is a component of the broader departmental investment plan that has a five-year horizon (as required under the Policy on Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services). To keep up with the pace of technological changes, however, the departmental CIO or equivalent reviews the departmental IT plan annually and updates it, as required, at the time of the review. The departmental IT plan covers the strategic, tactical and operational aspects of the management of IT.

3.5 Additional requirements for IT governance, IT planning and IT strategy will be set out in the standards. The Chief Information Officer Branch (CIOB) of the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) will also publish guidelines and tools to assist departments if required.

3.6 The Treasury Board has delegated authority to the Secretary of the Treasury Board to issue this directive and to make administrative and technical changes.

3.7 The Secretary of the Treasury Board has sub-delegated authority to the Chief Information Officer of Canada to issue this directive and to make administrative and technical changes.