Media.Knet.Ca

Click here for the Report of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs

One noteable quote sums it up ... “Government departments are now evolving to become very centralized, controlled environments becoming more and more difficult to partner with in the development of innovative projects. Their unwillingness to take any risks is resulting in the mentality of being afraid to cross the street on a green light in case they might get hit by a car. In their own paralysis, they force this same controlled and centralized management structure on the communities and the projects that are trying to serve the communities with very mixed results.”
(RECIPIENT COMMENT) - page 35

Message from the co-chairs of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs (see the government's press release below in response)

February 14, 2007

Dear Sir or Madam:

As members of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs, we are pleased to inform you that we have submitted our final report to the President of the Treasury Board, the Honourable Victor Toews. The title of our report is From Red Tape to Clear Results.

In June 2006, the former President of Treasury Board, the Honourable John Baird, invited the panel to recommend measures to make the delivery of grant and contribution programs more efficient while ensuring greater accountability. We also were asked to identify barriers to access for applicants and recommend changes to government-wide and departmental policies and practices to ensure that programs are delivered in a fair, cost-effective and efficient manner.

Our report is the result of six months of intense analysis and consultation. We employed a web-based technique to consult with approximately 1,100 recipients of grants and contributions and over 500 federal program managers. We received over 40 written submissions and held face-to-face consultations with business leaders, representatives from the non-profit sector, Aboriginal leaders and the science and research community. We met with members of Parliament, the Auditor General of Canada, the Comptroller General and a number of senior federal officials.

We have arrived at three key conclusions. Our first and most important conclusion is that there is a need for fundamental change in the way the federal government understands, designs, manages and accounts for its grant and contribution programs. Our second conclusion is that, not only is it possible to simplify administration while strengthening accountability, it is absolutely necessary to do the former to ensure the latter. Our third conclusion is that making changes in an area of government as vast and multi-faceted as grants and contributions will require sustained leadership at the political and public service levels.

We hope that the conclusions and recommendations contained in our report will inform government policy and in turn enhance the lives of many Canadians. Our report sets out 32 specific recommendations that are presented thematically in Chapter III. The recommendations are listed again in Appendix 2, where they are organized with respect to time frame for implementation— i.e. short, medium and longer term.

The essence of our recommendations can be distilled into four simple proposals:

1) Respect the recipients—they are partners in a shared public purpose. Grant and contribution programs should be citizen-focussed. The programs should be made accessible, understandable and useable.
2) Dramatically simplify the reporting and accountability regime—it should reflect the circumstances and capacities of recipients and the real needs of the government and Parliament.
3) Encourage innovation—the goal of grant and contribution programs is not to eliminate errors but to achieve results, and that requires a sensible regime of risk management and performance reporting.
4) Organize information so that it serves recipients and program managers alike.

Although many of our recommendations can be implemented forthwith, we do not underestimate the challenges inherent in change. Culture change takes time in any large organization, but in government it can take a particularly long time. Of special note, a commitment will be required of politicians, officials and even the media to look at accountability through the lens of program performance rather than simply control.

Sustained leadership will be required of the President of the Treasury Board and his officials. At a minimum, the following will be required:

a) a clear statement of policy direction;
b) a practical approach that starts by making simple changes and then builds from an expanding base;
c) the assignment of clear roles and responsibilities to manage the change process, at both the political and public service levels, accompanied by the authority required to do the job; and
d) adequate resources, including funding for people, training and tools.

Over the long term, we believe that the adoption of our recommendations will encourage recipients and program managers to work together to plan, deliver and report on federally funded grant and contribution programs.

We would like to thank all of the many people who contributed their insight and expertise, including those we met in person, those who participated in our online consultations and those who made written submissions. These offerings of useful ideas and comments have contributed enormously to the value of this report.

We invite you to visit our website at www.brp-gde.ca. There you will find other products of our work, including reports on our many consultation initiatives. We have also made available a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes our work and recommendations in a user-friendly format. There is also a link to the government’s response to our report. Tape to Clear Results

In closing, we would like to express our appreciation to both the former and current presidents of the Treasury Board for having given us this opportunity to make recommendations to improve an area of federal programming that is of vital importance to Canadians.

Sincerely,

Frances Lankin

Ian Clark

Click here for the Report's Summary Presentation

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Federal Government response ...

Canada's New Government Acting to Improve Grant and Contribution Programs

Treasury Board President Welcomes Report to Cut Red Tape

* Backgrounder - Summary of the Report of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants and Contributions
* Backgrounder - Canada's New Government Acting to Improve Grant and Contribution Programs

February 14, 2007

Ottawa - The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, today announced a series of immediate actions to improve how grant and contribution programs are managed. The measures are a first step in response to the report of the independent blue ribbon panel on grants and contributions. In their report, From Red Tape to Clear Results, panel members Frances Lankin and Ian Clark outlined their findings and recommendations to make the delivery of grant and contribution programs more efficient, while ensuring greater accountability.

"Grants and contributions are cornerstones of the delivery of government programs to Canadians. These programs provide real benefits to people such as promoting physical activity and healthy eating to school children and providing employment programs for disabled Canadians," Minister Toews said. "That is why we promised, in the Federal Accountability Action Plan, to reduce unnecessary red tape to make these programs work better for Canadians. I want to thank the panel and those around them, who donated their time and expertise to this process, for their hard work and impressive report."

The panel concluded that there is a need for fundamental change, that it is both possible and necessary to simplify administration while strengthening accountability, and that sustained leadership at political and public service levels is required.

"Our report reflects the work of a great many people who realize how important grant and contribution programs are to so many Canadians. Our recommendations are relevant, affordable and feasible," said Ms. Lankin. "The fact that there is so much to be done should not lead to the conclusion that the task is simply too large or too difficult to undertake. Rather, it should lead to the conviction that it is time to begin," added Mr. Clark.

The actions announced today will begin the process of change under clear leadership to strengthen accountability for the management and the results of these programs. They include the following:

- The President of the Treasury Board will lead in the development of an action plan to reform the administration of grants and contributions with a view to ensuring they deliver clear results in the most effective and efficient way possible within a sensible risk management framework. The government will continue to consult with the recipient community as this action plan is developed.
- As a first step in the development of this action plan, Treasury Board Secretariat will work with selected departments to examine business processes to identify opportunities for improved service and efficiencies. Based on the results of this review, departments will develop their own action plans to streamline internal practices and reduce administrative burdens.
- The government will establish a centre of expertise on grants and contributions, to share best practices, and to promote innovation in program administration.

"Time and money are being wasted administering rules and processes that add little to results and nothing to accountability. The actions I am announcing today will allow for programs to be managed more effectively and efficiently and to deliver real results. These actions deliver on our promise to strengthen accountability and management and make these programs work better," Minister Toews added. "We are getting back to first principles- delivering good programs to Canadians."

Each year, the government delivers nearly $27 billion to Canadians through more than 800 grant and contribution programs.

"Panel members were thoughtful, qualified individuals and the process allowed for considerable sector input. Looking forward, we urge the government to focus on taking action and on continued meaningful engagement of the recipient community in the implementation process," says Georgina Steinsky-Schwartz, President and CEO of Imagine Canada.

"It is important that government periodically review its practices and that those affected have the opportunity to participate," said Terry Goodtrack, Chief Operating Officer of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. "I look forward to reductions-brought about by these recommendations-in the administrative burden placed upon First Nations communities."

The report of the panel can be found at http://www.brp-gde.ca/. Attached are backgrounders that summarize the report and outline the government's actions.

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For more information, contact:

Mike Storeshaw
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666

Robert Makichuk
Chief, Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 957-2391

Gary Breen
Blue Ribbon Panel
(613) 762-4673

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS press release

First Nations women leaders issue strong statement at conclusion of historic meeting
 
VANCOUVER, Feb. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - First Nations women chiefs and councillors released an eleven point consensus statement today following the conclusion of an historic three-day meeting in Vancouver. Critical issues such as poverty, matrimonial real property, the central role of women in sustainable communities, and First Nations jurisdiction were discussed and debated.

"The strength, knowledge, and capacity of our women leaders must be heard and honoured by all First Nations, and all Canadians," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "I guarantee that this consensus statement will be taken very seriously and will be acted upon by the AFN."

The following is the complete consensus statement:

"First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors are mad as hell with Crown government interference in our lives and we're not going to take it anymore.

For the first time in modern history, First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors, from all across Canada, gathered in unity at the Assembly of First Nations National Forum for First Nation Women Chiefs ("Forum") in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 12-14, 2007. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors express their overwhelming concern and frustration with the current situation facing First Nations communities, families and children.

This Statement represents the unanimous voice of the Women Chiefs and Councillors present at the Forum to address critical issues affecting our Nations, families and our future to compel change and make progress.

The following statements were adopted by the First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors:

1. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors honor the spirit and intent of the original relationship between First Nations and the British Crown to live in peaceful co-existence, without interference, and to uphold the unceded Inherent authorities given to us by the Creator.
    
2. First Nations in Canada are Nations with pre-existing collective rights, responsibilities, languages, cultures, territories and laws.
    
3. We maintain our authority to be the law-makers and caretakers of our Nations, our families and our land. First Nation holistic laws will continue to guide our decision making in the face of any and all federal, provincial and territorial legislation. The Crown continues to breach this original compact and interfere with this Inherent jurisdiction, thereby creating and perpetuating poverty conditions amongst our peoples.
    
4. Our collective Inherent and Treaty rights must not be diminished or adversely impacted in the development of federal, provincial and territorial law and policy.
    
5. The First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors will stand with First Nations governments to advance a comprehensive plan for accountability of all governments, the protection of collective rights and to eradicate poverty and social injustice.
    
6. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors will ensure that our lands, families and children are cared for; ensure that our rights are respected and upheld; and we will be responsible for the decisions that affect our lives. We will not relinquish our rights at the expense of our lands, families and future.
    
7. Negotiations and consultations regarding any federal, provincial or territorial initiatives that impact pre-existing Inherent First Nation jurisdictions and Treaty rights must take place with leadership of First Nations governments.
    
8. Solutions can be achieved locally, regionally, and nationally by working collectively. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors call upon the Government of Canada to work together with First Nations to co-create a new future for all our people.
     
9. The cycle of poverty, violence, lack of access to quality health care and education, and the non-recognition of Inherent First Nations jurisdiction continue to be perpetuated in federal genocide and assimilationist policies and approaches.
    
10. First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors are united to oppose attempts by the federal government to unilaterally impose legislation and policy such as its initiatives currently reflected in the matrimonial real property process, and the repeal of section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. These federal initiatives that diminish or adversely impact upon our unceded Inherent authorities will be rejected.
      
11. We will accomplish this through collective action that supports systemic change. We will stand with the leadership of First Nation governments to advance a comprehensive plan for accountability of all governments; the protection of collective rights; and to eradicate poverty and social injustice in our communities."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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/For further information: Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca; Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext 229, (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca/

CHIEFS OF ONTARIO press release

Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples report calls on federal government to remove decade old cap on First Nations post-secondary funding

     TORONTO, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - "No Higher Priority - Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education in Canada" is the title of an important report tabled in Parliament this week by the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples and Northern Development. The report recommends the immediate removal of the 2% cap on Aboriginal post-secondary education spending which has been in place since 1996.

     "Federal post-secondary support has not kept pace with inflation, population increases, or provincial spending for post-secondary education" stated Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse. He further added that "the recommendation by the Standing Committee to remove this discretionary cap is the most significant measure which the federal government can implement to ensure more First Nations people have the opportunity to access post-secondary education."

     "No Higher Priority" also calls upon provincial governments to address accreditation and funding challenges facing First Nations controlled post-secondary institutions. The Regional Chief pointed out that First Nations controlled post-secondary institutions in Ontario have proven to be more effective for First Nations students than mainstream colleges and universities. "It is time to ensure that First Nations controlled post secondary institutions are able to take their proper place alongside provincially recognized colleges and universities as equal partners" states Regional Chief Toulouse.

     Regional Chief Toulouse identified the ongoing jurisdictional disputes between the federal and provincial governments' is a detriment to addressing the issues, as neither level of government accepts responsibility for the issue of First Nations post-secondary institutions. The Regional Chief further noted that the recommendations and proposals contained within the report provide a reasonable foundation for addressing the gaps which exist in First Nations post-secondary education. "I want to express my appreciation to the members of the Standing Committee for this report and for encouraging all parties in the House to work cooperatively and expeditiously to ensure the implementation of the proposals and recommendations."

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/For further information: Pam Hunter, Communications Advisor, (905) 683-0322 or (613) 203-3233/

Northern Ontario School of Medicine press release - February 13, 2007
 
Northern Ontario Aboriginal Communities Prepare to Host Medical Students

Today, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine hosts the “Sharing Experiences” workshop.  Representatives of the 28 Aboriginal communities which will host first-year medical students are meeting at the School’s West and East campuses.  

From April 30 to May 25, 2007, first year NOSM students will spend four weeks on placement in remote and rural Aboriginal communities in Northern Ontario.  Workshop participants include the Local Community Coordinators (LCCs) who will provide liaison between NOSM and the students.  The LCCs represent the three major treaty organizations, Métis Nation of Ontario and health access centres of Northern Ontario. 

The two-day “Sharing Experiences” workshop provides participants with an overview of NOSM and its unique mandate and curriculum.  Experiences and lessons learned from last year’s placements will be discussed and applied to the development of weekly student schedules for the 2007 placements.  In addition, participants will tour the NOSM facilities and meet the students and many faculty members. 

The community placements enable medical students to learn the clinical skills required for the curriculum and examine the roles of health care providers in rural and remote settings.  Placements occur in clinical settings such as urgent care, after hours clinics, youth and school programs, substance abuse centres, outpatient settings with RNs, MDs and visiting health care professionals.

Culturally-focused activities are also a large aspect of the community placements.  Students will participate in activities such as feasts, hunting and fishing.  NOSM Director of Aboriginal Affairs, Orpah McKenzie, says the students will gain an understanding of the relevance of community culture to lifestyle and health.  “Immersion in these remote, rural Aboriginal communities broadens students’ cultural awareness and strengthens their communications skills,” she explains. “These are integral skills for effective medical practice in Northern Ontario.”   

Throughout their four years of medical school, NOSM students will experience several placements in Northern Ontario communities, and these placements in Aboriginal communities mark the first placement for first-year students.  NOSM’s Director of Undergraduate Medical Education Programs, Marie Matte says students receive the widest possible experience through distributed learning.  “Community based education ensures that students gain a diversity of clinical knowledge and skills, as well as experience for themselves the special features of Northern Ontario.”  

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a pioneering faculty of medicine. The School is a joint initiative of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities with main campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, and multiple teaching and research sites across Northern Ontario. By educating skilled physicians and undertaking health research suited to community needs, the School will become a cornerstone of community health care in Northern Ontario.

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For further information, contact:
Tracie Smith
Communications Officer - West
807-766-7314
Tracie.Smith@normed.ca

Yonaniko Grenon
Communications Officer - East
705-662-7243
Yonaniko.Grenon@normed.ca

Pelican Falls Ladies Broomball Tournament

March 3, 4

Entry Fee $200.00

contact Duane Ogemah 737-1283 work, 582-3908 home

A special request from Peter Morin, please share your e-mail response to Peter at humblewarrior42@hotmail.com (see poster below)

PLEASE PRINT, DISPLAY, FORWARD, DISCUSS

I am writing to you from a small town in the Yukon called Watson Lake (click here to visit their community web site).  We are a population of about 700 to 900 people, (even though the website says 1500).We are located in the traditional territory of the Kaska Dena people.We have one grocery  store, one bank, one post office, one liquor store, one insurance agent, one employment centre, one band office (in town), one tribal council office (in town), two variety stores, two bars, three hotels, and some other stuff and one library/drop-in, which is used by almost everyone in the community.  Especially  our youth. We are looking for submissions for an in-library produced anthology of stories, art, music, poems, on the theme of bannock  - and how you may or maybe not have interacted with bannock in your life (**believe it or not, but there are some of us who have not had the pleasure of eating fresh bannock!). 

We started this Bannock project with the youth in mind.  There are many youth, here in watson lake, that go to the library after school and weekends and are usually there till closing.  We believe in the youth and their strength and we want to support them in as many ways as we can.  For us, this looks like providing our youth with afterschool projects, activities, and snacks.  All proceeds from the sale of our Bannock Anthology project will go to support afterschool library programs for the youth of Watson Lake.thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you,

Sincerely Peter Morin

PS. You may be asking yourself what is a Bannock Story? A bannock story is a story that involved yourself and bannock. for example:

• when did you make bannock for the first time?
• Any bannock oopses? 
• When did you eat bannock for the first time?
• Who made bannock for you as a child?  
• Are you a fryer or a baker? 
• Were your bannocks ever used as hockey pucks?...?...?...

Register at http://www.driventoquit.ca by February 28, 2007

Grand prize - 2007 Acura CSX

OR

Regional prizes - 1 of 7 Sony 32” Widescreen LCD HDTVs
  

Step 1: Find a buddy

• Find a non-smoking buddy who will support you as you go smoke-free.
• Buddies can win too! To be eligible for a $250 Sears gift certificate, buddies must be 19 years of age or older and a non-smoker.
• Go to Helping Someone Quit for tips on how buddies can help.

Step 2: Register

• Register online free of charge by February 28, 2007.
• Register now at http://www.driventoquit.ca/english/before_you_enter/
• Only one entry per person is permitted.

Step 3: Quit smoking

• Quit smoking by March 1, 2007 and remain smoke-free until March 30, 2007.
• Call the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline to increase your chances of quitting at 1 877 513-5333 (optional).
• Names will be randomly drawn on March 30, 2007.
• If selected, both you and your buddy will be contacted and asked to answer a skill-testing question.
• Buddies will be asked to confirm that you have remained smoke-free for the month of March 2007.
• To verify smoke-free status, the potential winner will be asked to take a urine test.
• Smoke-free means no use of tobacco products of any kind. You are allowed, however, to use nicotine replacement therapies (e.g. medications, gum or inhaler) and/or a doctor's prescription to help you quit.
• Winners will be announced publicly in April 30 2007.

Key Dates:

January 22 - Registration begins

February 28 - Deadline to register

March 1 - Quit month begins

March 30 - Final day of quit period

March 30 - Winner drawn

April 30 - bWinner announced on http://driventoquit.ca

STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

CALL IMMEDIATELY

TO GET INFORMATION ON APPLICATION FORMS.

Falcon Communications press release ...

Launch Of New Service Brings Greater Access To Broadband Across The Northwest Territories

Yellowknife, NWT (06 February 2007)– A new and innovative Broadband service for communities of the Northwest Territories has officially been launched.

Thirty previously un-served communities are now able to access Broadband thanks to a collaborative initiative between the Government of Canada, SSI Micro Ltd. and the Broadband Business Alliance Limited Partnership, consisting of Denendeh Investments Incorporated, Tetlit Gwich’in Council, Deline Land Corporation, Deh Cho Economic Corporation, Dogrib Nation Trustco and Akaitcho Regional Investment Corporation.

Through satellite based connectivity provided by SSI Micro Ltd., users will enjoy easily installed Broadband connectivity through state-of-the-art art wireless technology offering roaming services throughout most areas of the Northwest Territories. SSI Micro, an award winning communications solution provider, designed and implemented the network. SSI Micro will also be responsible for the long term maintenance and operation of the service.

This service will provide significant opportunities for the un-served Aboriginal and remote rural communities of the Northwest Territories to access education, healthcare, and a competitive business environment, all of which will provide enhancements to the quality of life. It will serve towards ensuring the sustainability of these communities and assist in providing families and youth with an economic and social future.

“As the General Partner of the Broadband Business Alliance Limited Partnership, Falcon Communications is working with our service provider SSI Micro to deliver this secure technology, providing for a consistent solution allowing for affordable, open access to communities across the North,” said Darrell Beaulieu of Falcon Communications.

The Government of Canada has contributed more than $5 million for the network through the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program. In addition to the Government funding, SSI Micro has invested more than $5 million toward the design and implementation of the services.

“Through the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program, Canada’s new government continues to help Canadians in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities benefit from all the economic, business and social opportunities that broadband access can bring,” said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry.

The Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program was created to help provide high speed Internet access to rural, remote, northern and First Nations communities. It has been successful in engaging partners across the country through a community driven approach and will be providing service to approximately 900 communities.

The Government of Canada has also contributed support of this network through the National Satellite Initiative (NSI).Up to $7 million came from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, to help defray the costs of satellite delivered connections. The goal of the NSI is to provide affordable satellite capacity for broadband services in communities in the far to mid-North, and in isolated and remote areas of Canada, where satellite technology is the only practical solution.

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Further information is available at www.airware.ca.

About Industry Canada / BRAND
More information about the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program can be accessed at www.broadband.gc.ca.

The Finance minister is inviting everyone to write to him about what needs to be included in the upcoming Federal government budget expected in late March. The deadline for submissions is February 28. Visit http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult/prebud07_e.html to share your priorities and needs with Finance Minister Flaherty.

Federal government press release

Federal Government Launches Nationwide Pre-Budget Consultations Related document - Invitation by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, to Pre-Budget Web Consultations - Ottawa, February 7, 2007

---------------------------------------------------------------

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today launched online consultations, giving Canadians from coast to coast to coast an opportunity to participate in the development of Budget 2007. Canada’s New Government held federal online consultations for the first time during the development of last year’s budget.

"By offering these consultations, we are giving all Canadians an opportunity to play a role in the federal budget process," said Minister Flaherty. "I encourage everyone to take the time to submit any ideas and comments they might have. Their input will be seriously considered for this budget and future budgets."

Last year nearly 6,000 Canadians participated in the online consultation process. People provided a wide range of responses touching on everything from tax reductions to infrastructure investments.

In order to make the consultations as user-friendly and efficient as possible, this year responses will be organized under the following five headings: spending, personal tax, corporate tax, debt and other. Responses will be limited to no more than 50 words per topic to ensure succinctness and allow for quick evaluation.

The consultations will end at 12 midnight EST on February 28, 2007. "The online consultations will conclude at the end of February, giving us plenty of time to reflect on the ideas and comments submitted by Canadians well in advance of the budget date, which has not yet been set," said Minister Flaherty.

The pre-budget consultation page on the Department of Finance website can be found at http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult_e.html.

The page contains an invitation to all Canadians to participate in the online consultations. It also features links to Advantage Canada, a long-term economic plan that sets out a bold and exciting course for a strong, united and outward-looking Canada.

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From http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/02/10/3578699-cp.html

Ottawa criticized over Saskatchewan treatment
By DEAN BEEBY

OTTAWA (CP) - The Harper government got blasted over its treatment of Saskatchewan when Canadians were asked about the fiscal imbalance in an Internet survey last summer.

But you won't read that in the official report from the Finance Department about the web consultations - it's found only in an internal document obtained by The Canadian Press.

Saskatchewan's demand to exclude non-renewable resources from a revamped equalization program - a $12-billion transfer of cash to Canada's have-not provinces - was clearly the hot-button issue for Canadians responding to the month-long consultation, which ended Sept. 8.

Of the 108 submissions, 50 criticized the Conservative government for failing to live up to promises to exclude resource revenues, just as Atlantic Canada's offshore energy wealth has effectively been excluded for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador under special deals with those provinces.

None of the other 60 issues raised came even close to that level of consensus, an internal accounting of the responses shows.

The web-based consultations on "restoring fiscal balance" were open only to individuals, businesses and other non-governmental groups. About three-quarters of the submissions came from individuals.

Internal documents obtained under the Access to Information Act carefully exclude all identifying information, including province of origin except in one or two cases.

"Mr. Stephen Harper came to our province (Saskatchewan) prior to the federal election and stated time and time again if elected he would exempt our natural resources from the equalization program," said one respondent.

"The Conservatives argued when they were in Opposition that the federal government treat Saskatchewan the same as they treated Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia," said another.

Only seven submissions urged the Tory government to include provincial resource revenues in any revamped equalization program.

Since being elected, Harper has backed off from his promises to exclude non-renewable resource revenue from equalization. The issue is the most pressing in Saskatchewan, which stands to gain $800 million or more in equalization money if the general rule were adopted.

The Finance Department's official report on the web-based consultations does not reflect the overwhelmingly pro-Saskatchewan nature of the web contributions.

"There were wide views on the treatment of natural resources," says the final report, posted on the Internet last month.

"Some suggested that all non-renewable resource revenues should be excluded from the equalization formula, a view shared by the substantial number of submissions from Saskatchewan.

"There were also submissions that supported the full inclusion of resource revenues in the equalization formula."

The Finance Department warned last summer when it announced the consultation that it was not intended to be a poll, though the internal documents indicate bureaucrats conducted a careful accounting of which issues received the most comment.

The department initially refused to release the documents under the Access to Information Act, saying all results would eventually be published. But officials relented last week after the office of the Information Commissioner of Canada launched an investigation.

Saskatchewan's premier said the province did not organize a write-in campaign for the consultations.

"We did not advertise or organize . . . We certainly did nothing to exceptionally encourage anyone," Lorne Calvert said in an interview. Rather, more and more ordinary Canadians are becoming aware of how much is at stake, he added.

Asked why the official report did not highlight the apparent consensus over resources and equalization, Finance Canada spokeswoman Nathalie Gauthier said "the summary report on the website does in fact refer to the substantial number of submissions from Saskatchewan."

Some of the web comments sent to Ottawa included sniping at specific provinces.

One respondent complained about the Atlantic region being given a break on oil and gas revenues.

"It's like a welfare recipient winning the lottery and wanting to keep his monthly social assistance cheque."

Several respondents objected to Ontario being used as the milch cow of Confederation.

"Billions of dollars are flowing out of Ontario to support generous government spending in provinces like Quebec," said one.

Said another: "It seems preposterous that Ontario, as one of the very few provinces which never receives equalization payments, is a province with one of the lowest 'fiscal capacities' in the country."

The relatively small number of web respondents for the fiscal imbalance question is in marked contrast to the Finance Department's pre-budget online consultations, which last year attracted almost 6,000 submissions.

Last week, the department announced a similar web consultation leading to the March 20 budget, with a deadline of Feb. 28. The budget is expected to include the Tory government's solution to the fiscal imbalance issue.