KO participates in Treasury Board's Blue Ribbon Panel on grants & contributions
On Oct ober 12, Treasury Board's Independent Blue Ribbon hosted a roundtable of national and regional Aboriginal groups to learn about their experience with accessing federal government grants and contributions. Keewaytinook Okimakanak's K-Net Service initiative was invited to share their experience with the panel members.
- Backgrounder - Independent Blue Ribbon Panel - Terms of Reference
- Backgrounder - Blue Ribbon Panel Member Biographies
- Fact Sheet - Grant and Contribution Programs
Federal government takes next step to restore accountability and to ensure effective and efficient program delivery - June 6, 2006
OTTAWA - The Honourable John Baird, President of the Treasury Board of Canada today announced the creation of an independent blue-ribbon panel to recommend measures to make the delivery of grant and contribution programs more efficient while ensuring greater accountability.
"People who work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules want accountability from their government," Minister Baird said. "With some $26 billion dollars going to grant and contributions each year, we owe taxpayers a thorough review of these programs as part of our ongoing efforts to restore accountability to government and to leave the legacy of political scandal in the past."
The government committed in its Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan to establish this independent panel. It will have three main areas of focus:
- reviewing the administrative requirements individuals and organizations must meet in order to access government grant and contribution programs;
- examining the issues faced by government departments in managing these programs; and,
- assessing whether instruments other than grants and contributions are more appropriate for funding some programs.
"A top priority of Canada's new government is to restore the public's confidence in government," Minister Baird added.
"Examining grants and contributions is an important step in helping to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of these programs."
The three panellists were selected based on their extensive experience in the private or public sectors. They are Ms. Frances Lankin, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Greater Toronto; Mr. Ian D. Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, Council of Ontario Universities; and Mr. Marc Tellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yellow Pages Group.
"I am delighted these three distinguished individuals have agreed to provide informed and objective advice based on their knowledge of how government works and what Canadians need," Minister Baird concluded. "Together, they bring a unique and valuable blend of political, not-for-profit, public sector and business experience.
I am confident that their recommendations will reflect their sound judgment and ability to get to the heart of the issues."
The government intends to issue a new policy on transfer payments that will reflect recommendations of both the blue-ribbon panel and the Auditor General's May 2006 report on the Management of Voted Grants and Contributions.
In addition, the government will undertake two other initiatives to help government work better for Canadians: strengthen and streamline management by reviewing its procurement and financial management policies and repeal policies and regulations that inhibit the effectiveness of the public service.
Attached is a backgrounder with information on the Terms of Reference of the panel, biographical information on the panel members, and a fact sheet on grants and contributions programs.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666
Robert Makichuk
Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 957-2391