FNGA -Most Expensive and Least Effective Model of Governance

[Brian Pallister, MP]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2003


First Nations Governance Act-naïve, dangerous and costly

OTTAWA-According to Brian Pallister, MP, major reform of the Indian Act may be long overdue, but the federal government's proposed First Nations
Governance Act [FNGA] will divide Aboriginal communities and waste precious resources on an expanded Ottawa bureaucracy.

"The FNGA will expand the powers of chiefs, limit the rights of individuals
and bind the federal government to providing resources for nation building
for over 600 band governments," stated Pallister. "This the most expensive and least effective model of governance ever proposed. The Liberal government's approach will entrench differences, subordinate individual rights to collective rights and forever disengage Aboriginals from the rest of Canada."

Since his appointment as the Canadian Alliance senior critic for Indian
Affairs, Mr. Pallister has met with Aboriginal organizations, residents on
and off reserve, conducted surveys and opened the lines of communication.

"The survey I sent out last December helped me get a better understanding of the real problems facing Aboriginal Canadians. These initial comments helped me develop and refine some policies proposals that address areas such as home ownership, human rights, and economic freedoms. This week I'm sending out another survey that will ask people to give me feedback on some of the ideas that I and the Canadian Alliance would like to advance," said Pallister.

"After sharing ideas with so many people, I feel that there is plenty of
opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities to create a better set of
policies to address the real challenges. We must work together on issues
such as education, housing, health, water quality and economic opportunity.

The Liberals believe good governance comes from the top down. The Canadian Alliance believes good governance is a result of empowering individuals and families," concluded Pallister.

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For information: Peter Nikic
[613] 995-9513
[613] 298-1870
Peter Nikic
Communications Assistant
Office of Brian Pallister, MP
Portage-Lisgar
Phone: 613.995.9513
Fax: 613.947-0313

[Brian Pallister]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2003


First Nations Governance Act-$500 million annual money pit

OTTAWA-According to Brian Pallister, MP, the federal government's proposed First Nations Governance Act [FNGA] will quickly become a money pit costing the Canadian taxpayer over $500 million a year.

"The FNGA, with its annual price tag, will waste valuable resources and do
nothing to address the serious issues of housing, skills development, and
human rights," stated Pallister. "This the most expensive and least
effective model of governance ever proposed. The Liberal government's
approach will entrench differences, subordinate individual rights to
collective rights and forever disengage Aboriginals from the rest of
Canada."

The government has shown no ability to contain costs. The cost of the
layers of bureaucracy and institutions in this bill will include:
* 600 sets of enforcement officers;
* 600 "mini-me" ombudsmen
* a national ombudsman's office
* additional funding for the Canadian Human Rights Commission;

* the newly proposed Governance Institute;
* 600 different sets of codes;
* a national registry for codes;
* organizational support programs;
* and increased funding for the Department of Indian Affairs.

"The Liberal government believes that good governance comes for the
top-down. Taxpayer funded, Ottawa controlled bureaucracies will not solve the problems confronting Aboriginal Canadians. This isn't going to improve the status quo, it's half a billion dollars a year that will make it worse," concluded Pallister.

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For information: Peter Nikic
[613] 995-9513
[613] 298-1870