In the 2000-2003 business plans, reviewed by this committee in June 2000, the Executive offices presented their strategy to "support a collaborative approach to effective and efficient program delivery and capacity building." An outcome measure for this strategy would be "a plan for regional reorganization and capacity building is developed and initiated." The committee was informed that a review of regional organization is underway. Further to this, in those same 2000/2003 business plans, the Executive offices announced the formation of a regional relations section tasked with enhancing communications within the regions and between regions and headquarters. The new section will also assist the regions in preparation for the transfer of government programs and services through capacity building and aboriginal self-government.
It is apparent that the government has lost its focus and purpose on the Regional Reorganization Initiative announced last year. The committee was told this issue is much more complex than originally conceived and that the responsibility for regional reorganization has now shifted from the Department of Executive to a ministerial committee.
The standing committee is at a loss to define or make tangible suggestions on the state of this initiative, especially given the government's confusion in this matter. The committee urges government to reassess their need for regional reorganization and, if it still exists, redefine and review this initiative.