The issue of performance measurement re-emerges in the 1992 report of the Office – issued on January 29, 1993. Performance measurement is presented as a key to solving what was emerging as a central political issue, namely, the size of the Province’s annual deficits and debt. This political issue became crucial in promoting NPM, performance measurement and the Office’s expertise. Indeed:
I believe that, wherever possible, those managing public resources should deal with facts, and not opinions, on the effectiveness of programs. Timely information that is focused on results achieved, and their cost, is crucial to Members of the Legislative Assembly when setting future policy. Information on the results of government programs and their cost is needed to make sensible decisions to deal with Alberta’s annual deficit. (Office, 1992, p. 3)