For immediate release January 26, 2005 Ottawa – A two-day gathering that brought together more than 100 representatives of Aboriginal organizations, federal government officials and provincial and territorial government representatives concluded today in Ottawa. Participants at the session discussed ideas and prepared recommendations for future cooperative work on accountability relationships. This work recognizes that clarifying accountabilities on the part of governments, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is key to improving results in Aboriginal communities. “This two-day session has helped us get a better understanding of accountability for results regarding Aboriginal expenditures,” said Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board, who led the Accountability for Results Sectoral Session. “We can now move forward with developing an Aboriginal reporting mechanism, or Aboriginal Report Card, as a tool that could focus the work of all parties on improving programs and their results.” As a result of the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable held on April 19, 2004, the Government of Canada and roundtable partners committed to following up with seven sectoral sessions on health, lifelong learning, housing, economic opportunities, negotiations and accountability for results. The Accountability for Results session is the concluding session. The sessions were jointly planned by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, along with national Aboriginal organizations. The information gathered from all the sessions will be used to inform a policy retreat with Federal Ministers, Aboriginal leaders and provincial and territorial representatives, and ultimately a First Ministers' Meeting with Aboriginal leaders. - 30 - For more information, contact: Lise Jolicoeur Press Secretary Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board (613) 957-2666 Robert Makichuk Media Relations Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (613) 957-2391 If there is a discrepancy between any printed version and the electronic version of this news release, the electronic version will prevail. TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) — (613) 957-9090
