Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Continues to Strengthen its Fiscal Management and Accountability

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Ottawa (March 31, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians said his department continues to demonstrate leadership in strengthening its fiscal management and performance reporting.

“As Minister, I want to ensure that INAC’s programs provide value for money and achieve real, tangible and measurable results,” said Minister Strahl. “The department is implementing new audit clauses that will clearly show that our Government is committed to enhancing transparency and accountability on Aboriginal programs.”

Promoting greater accountability, transparency and oversight in government operations is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities as outlined in the Federal Accountability Act of 2006. To achieve this priority commitment, INAC has taken a number of significant measures to enhance its financial oversight, audit and evaluation capability and reporting.

To further strengthen accountability measures, INAC recently notified funding recipients that it intends to amend 2008-2009 funding agreements to include an audit clause. The addition of this clause will ensure INAC’s right to conduct audits of funding agreements to make certain that contributions are used for intended programs and services. Applied on a risk basis, these will complement the existing requirement that First Nations provide to both the department and their community members annual consolidated financial statements that have been audited by independent and accredited professionals.

“With these clauses, not only is the government able to be accountable to all Canadians, but First Nations and Tribal Councils will also demonstrate to their constituents that they too are accountable,” added Minister Strahl.

Along with evaluations, the results from these audits will help guide new program and policy approaches, provide insight on improvements and support departmental accountability to Parliament and Canadians.

Backgrounder

For further information please contact:

Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160