The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the government establish clear lines of authority and develop mandates for all sectors of government involved in self-government negotiations.

The committee is of the opinion that this could be accomplished without prolonging any of the negotiations. Improved efficiency and effectiveness should be an important part of any decision to increase staff and financial resources, and departments should in the future demonstrate to committees that their rationale for increased resource levels is sound.

Community Devolution and Accountability

An increasing proportion of public funds are being spent through alternative service delivery arrangements at the regional and community levels. There is little or no control over the day-to-day operations of service providers yet, should the alternative service delivery system fail, the government is ultimately responsible. There is a fundamental requirement for better information to be supplied by the service providers and effective government monitoring systems to be developed and implemented. It is of ultimate importance for the government to have adequate tracking and monitoring systems in place before more devolution occurs. This will become increasingly evident as the government continues to move from direct program delivery to service management.

The committee points out that many non-government organizations have highlighted the need for multi-year funding to assist the organization in its long range planning. It is imperative that monitoring and tracking systems be in place to accommodate this initiative.

Consistent, measurable targets and outcomes developed with the input from delivery agents would greatly assist in the building of this new level of accountability.

Regional Capacity Building

It is the committee's opinion that adequate funding, training and facilities must accompany the devolution of programs and services to communities and non-government organizations. The Auditor General, in his 1997-1998 Report on Other Matters, reminds government of the need for regions and communities to adhere to a third party accountability framework. The government must ensure that communities are managing and administering their programs and services in an accountable, safe and effective manner.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to hand the duties back to the chairman of the AOC. Thank you.