May 18, 2006

AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPORT ONCE AGAIN EXPOSES GOVERNMENT INACTION ON FIRST NATIONS ISSUES

For Immediate Release:

May 18, 2006 - In a report released May 17, 2006, the Auditor General of Canada rated the federal governments’ progress on key recommendations pertaining to First Nations issues “unsatisfactory”.  This report was a follow-up audit on previous reports completed between 2000 and 2003 on First Nations issues.  “This new report from the Auditor General confirms that there has been little to no progress on issues which directly impact on the wellbeing of First Nations” stated Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

The Auditor General’s report was focused on Management of Programs for First Nations and indicated that satisfactory progress has been made on 22 of 37 recommendations, however, it is important to note that in most of these cases implementation is not yet complete.  The report further indicates that the majority of these 22 recommendations are “administrative in nature and have less direct impact on the lives of First Nations people”.  “The lack of progress on issues of fundamental importance to First Nations is causing the already significant gaps in the quality of life between First Nations people and the rest of Canada to become even more pronounced” stated Regional Chief Toulouse. 

Regional Chief Toulouse pointed out that the Auditor General’s report identified seven critical factors which either hindered or enabled successful implementation of recommendations.  He explained that First Nations have been telling government for many years that improved coordination between federal departments, building capacity within First Nations to carry out programs, and meaningful consultation with First Nations will contribute to achieving progress and subsequently improving the quality of life for First Nations people. 

The Auditor General’s report indicated that involving First Nations in the development of policies and initiatives which affect them “contributes to or results in significant change”.  Regional Chief Toulouse explained that this finding is significant and needs to be fully implemented into the First Nations-government relationship. 

The Regional Chief called the federal governments’ recent budget announcement of $150 million dollars for this fiscal year for Aboriginal communities, which is intended to address education, Aboriginal women, children and families, water and off-reserve housing, “inadequate and unrealistic”.  “I am astounded that the federal government is choosing to focus on greater accountability from First Nations when they themselves are not accountable for the constant delays and wilful neglect in addressing the shameful conditions within First Nations communities.  96% of First Nation administrations in Canada meet their audit deadlines on time and without incident, yet this government continues to insist that we are not accountable.  It is a disgrace that they continue to perpetuate this myth while refusing to own up to their responsibilities and lawful obligations to First Nations” said the Regional Chief.

“The Auditor General has again clearly articulated what First Nations already know, and have been telling government for years.  It is time for the government to respond to these realities and begin to engage First Nations in the development of solutions that will yield positive outcomes.  The government must move beyond the lip service and rhetoric and begin to institute fundamental changes which will be of benefit to not only First Nations but all Canadians” stated Regional Chief Toulouse.

For more information Contact:

Pam Hunter
Communications Advisor
(905) 683-0322
(613) 203-3233