MINISTER ANDY MITCHELL RESPONDS TO REPORT OF AUDITOR-GENERAL SHEILA FRASER

News Release

2-02473OTTAWA, ONTARIO, (February 13, 2004) -- In response to the report tabled on Tuesday in the House of Commons by Canada's Auditor-General, the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development issued the following statement:"I thank the Auditor-General, Sheila Fraser, for her report and look forward to working in collaboration with our partners in implementing her recommendations. In Chapter Eight of her report which looks at the transfer of federal responsibilities to the North and the implementation of land claim agreements, the Auditor-General found that "INAC generally meets its specific obligations" under the land claims agreements with the Inuit in Nunavut and the Gwich'in in the Northwest Territories. However, the Auditor-General recommends that INAC focus on the lasting benefits of these agreements. I agree and have already sat down with the Premier of Nunavut, Paul Okalik and the leadership of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to ensure that we work together to continue to achieve real results. Our common goal is to provide First Nations and Inuit the opportunity to reach their full potential both culturally and economically and to improve their employment opportunities. In addition, the report noted the positive outcome from the process of transfer of land and resources management responsibilities to the Yukon government. I agree fully with the Auditor-General on the importance of a "lessons learned" exercise and I have already taken steps to make sure that successes and challenges of the Yukon experience will benefit other devolution initiatives. Regarding Chapter Nine of the report which deals with Economic Development, I am pleased that the Auditor-General acknowledged the "important successes" of the Government of Canada's economic development programs. Prior to her review, the Department had already begun working to address the areas of concern noted in her report and I am committed to working with First Nations to strengthen institutional arrangements. In response to the Auditor General's observations regarding Third Party Management, let me begin by saying that only a small number of First Nations require this level of intervention. I accept the Auditor-General's finding that there are areas of improvement that can be made in the process. For this reason, I have launched a review of our intervention policies with emphasis on less intrusive and more co-operative ways of helping First Nations maintain their financial health. In the 2004 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada made a commitment to improve economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal and Northern Communities. We must also ensure that we continue to work with our Northern and Aboriginal partners to find improvements which will strengthen economic opportunities and provide the jobs and social benefits which they deserve." For further information please contact: Christine Aquino Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (819) 997-0002 Diane Laursen Media Relations Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (819) 994-2044

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MINISTER ANDY MITCHELL RESPONDS TO REPORT OF AUDITOR-GENERAL SHEILA FRASER

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