OTTAWA, April 30, 2008 - The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the release of an independent forensic audit report entitled: Forensic Audit of Funding Under Contribution Agreement with the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake during the period April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2005.
"Our Government launched this forensic audit in February 2007 to look into allegations of mismanagement that took place under the previous Government," said Minister Day. "I am concerned by some of the findings in the report we received from the auditor. As such, I have directed departmental officials to study whether any further steps need to be taken with the audit findings."
The forensic audit focused on activities linked to financial contributions granted by the Government of Canada for Kanesatake police services between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2005. An independent auditor was appointed to conduct the audit following a competitive bidding process through Public Works and Government Services Canada. Navigant Consulting was the firm chosen following an evaluation of the proposals.
"The forensic report highlights the need to promote greater accountability, transparency and oversight for Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians," said Minister Strahl. "Our government has already taken action in this area by implementing a number of significant measures, including new audit clauses in my department, that ensure investments are in fact going to intended programs."
Last year, Minister Day referred the matter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A copy of the report was provided to the RCMP, the Auditor General of Canada and the Comptroller General of Canada.
"We remain supportive of re-establishing a tripartite policing agreement in the community of Kanesatake," Minister Day added. "I have asked departmental officials to initiate discussions with the Province of Quebec and Kanesatake with a view to determining if the pre-requisite conditions exist for a new tripartite policing agreement."
The First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) is a federal government contribution program managed by Public Safety Canada. It provides funding for policing in First Nations communities, over and above the regular policing activities that the province funds. Agreements are cost-shared between Canada and the Provinces at 52/48 percent respectively.
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Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
613-991-2863
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
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