First nations are anxious to improve the accountability relationship. The “Accountability for Results” initiative, which has been going on for almost two years, demonstrates this commitment on a national level. The Auditor General referred to this initiative in her comments on May 9. We know it will prove to be more effective than the existing provision in Bill C-2. As the Auditor General indicated, Bill C-2 will not contribute to greater accountability with respect to first nations. It will not have a positive effect and puts at risk first nations-led efforts to improve accountability in a practical and effective manner. Two of those efforts are--and you've heard of this, again, from the Auditor General--the idea of the first nation auditor general and a first nation ombudsperson.
As you've heard from the Auditor General, accountability is a relationship that is about much more than monitoring and audits. The Auditor General did not seek the expanded mandate in Bill C-2, and even if it is granted, we suspect from her testimony that she does not intend to use it, as she knows it will not be helpful in terms of increasing accountability.
Our recommendations are pretty straightforward. We recommend an amendment to Bill C-2 to treat first nation governments equally with other governments. We also seek the support of this committee for the Assembly of First Nations' “Accountability for Results” initiative.
It's important, I think, for members to know that for the past three months we haven't been able to move further on this initiative. It was moving with good speed, but I think some folks thought the initiative may be in conflict or may be a duplication. For whatever reason, that initiative hasn't moved forward. We've had the opportunity over the last three months to make great strides; we haven't done that, so we need your support.
Third, in this regard we've tabled papers with the committee to put on record an amendment to Bill C-2, and we've provided a copy of our position paper describing the Accountability for Results initiative.
I'd like to thank the chairperson and the committee for allowing us to make our opening comments. We're prepared to receive any questions the committee may have.