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Transitional Activities Update to the Chiefs Thomas Bressette, Ontario Regional Chief,January 1998 |
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| Since taking office as the Ontario Regional Chief in July of 1997, I thought it timely that I communicate directly with you with an update on the transitional activities within the Office of the Chiefs of Ontario. The transitional activities that I am referring to relate directly and indirectly to several initiatives. In a direct way, they relate to Resolution 97/12 passed at the October 1997 Ontario Chiefs’ Special Assembly in Thunder Bay. The Resolution directs that ’the Ontario Regional Chief enact a strategy that considers having the Ontario Regional Chief being based in Thunder Bay to reflect the overwhelming sensitivity and appreciation of the needs of the First Nations in the north’. A secondary direct item affecting transitional activities within the Office of the Chiefs of Ontario is the 1997-98 Workplans for the Ontario Regional Chief which I presented at the same Chiefs’ Special Assembly. Both the Resolution and the Management Plan, combined with last fall’s management changes, have had a direct impact on the existing staff and it is for this reason that I am communicating with you directly. Due to the fact that the Resolution and 1997-98 Workplans both signify change, it has created a sense of anxiety amongst staff as the impending move to Thunder Bay mentioned in both documents impacts family, friends and perhaps education plans for the existing staff serving the Chiefs of Ontario. Furthermore, the 1997-98 Workplans outlined specific activities to review and evaluate the current organization with regard to structure, personnel, management framework and operating budgets. In any organization that is streamlining its operations with potential impacts on staff roles and numbers in addition to impending relocation, there may be a perception of confusion and instability. In today’s environment of change and the advantages of technological efficiencies, a transitional period is necessary in order to move the organization further along in its effectiveness and in accordance with its financial state. As a new leader coming into a position vacated by long standing leadership and management, I have made personnel changes within the Office of the Chiefs of Ontario. I have brought in interim management with whom I have the confidence to serve the interests of the Ontario Regional Chief and members of the Planning and Priorities Committee. This change in management has not been without its difficulties. I acknowledge that this has created hardships for some individuals and I am aware that long standing loyalties and relationships developed over the years may have some influence on our ability to move forward in a smooth and respectful manner as possible. Last fall, the Planning and Priorities Committee (PPC) directed the Ontario Regional Chief to undertake a review of the administrative aspects of the Office of the Chiefs of Ontario. The review team consisted of individuals appointed from each member of the PPC. Funding was secured from DIAND to cover the costs of the review. In late November, the review team advised the PPC that an additional amount of funding would be required to complete the review. The PPC requested the Regional Chief not to proceed with the review until additional funding was secured. A further request was made to DIAND. In order to implement the Resolution and the 1997/98 Workplans while awaiting the review to be completed, I would like to share with you some thoughts on a proposed re-alignment of functions between the New Credit, Toronto and Thunder Bay locations. It is envisioned that the move of central corporate functions such as finance, administration, policy and clerical support could be located in Thunder Bay. Staff within the Toronto location could consist of legal, political assistant, communications and intergovernmental relations. A preliminary analysis of rental and administrative expenses indicates an excessive amount of expenditures and an inefficient use of space. A preliminary analysis of administrative versus policy staff indicates a higher than the norm of administrative staff ratio to the policy function. Research indicates that the Chiefs of Ontario could make better utilization of its financial resources in these areas in order to provide a higher level of service. In order to review an analysis of the current financial status of the Chiefs of Ontario, the A/Executive Director has been asked to prepare an interim audit for the review of the PPC. This should be completed by late January. As I agreed at the October Special Assembly, I fully intend to bring forward to the Chiefs at our next All Chiefs’ meeting, the details of these proposed changes and the financial and policy rationale behind these changes. I ask that you have the patience to allow some time for the transitional changes to occur and ask for your support as we move forward with implementing the Resolution and the 1997-98 Workplans. I would also like to thank members of the PTO’s who have provided advice and assistance to my staff during this transitional period. I am available to discuss any of these matters with you should you require. For more information contact: Chiefs of Ontario 344 Bloor Street West, Suite 602 Toronto, Ontario M5S 3A7 Tel: (416) 972-0212 Fax: (416) 972-0217 |
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