Road to Prosperity

CALGARY: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change announced today the release of its latest study, "Road to Prosperity - Five Steps to Change Aboriginal Policy."

"Our current study advances five recommendations the federal government can implement through a simple act of Parliament, to increase accountability, governance and transparency," stated Tanis Fiss, the Centre's director.

Each recommendation in Road to Prosperity examines simple policy alternatives that meet two tests: simple passage by parliament; and/or can be piloted with a sunset clause.

"To aid the federal government along the path of change, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has provided the government with five simple first steps to achieve greater prosperity for native Canadians," said Fiss.

Recommendations are:
1. Reallocate Funding
2. Expand Auditor General's Mandate
3. Establish an Ombudsman for Aboriginal Affairs
4. Better Utilize Certificates of Possession
5. Amend Indian Act to Include Matrimonial Property Rights.

"Aboriginal issues are a growing area of public policy and perhaps the most important moral dilemma facing Canada. With the recommendations outlined in this study, the federal government has an opportunity to stop ignoring the issues of accountability and transparency on reserves," concluded Fiss.

For online copies of the reports please go to: http://www.taxpayer.com/main/studies.php topic_id=4