FinallongreporNov182005

The following report summarizes the work of the Joint Working Group to date, and lays out the strategy for continuing a mutually beneficial relationship between the voluntary sector and the Government of Canada, consistent with the Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector. [...] The Accord sets out the framework by which the relationship between the voluntary sector and the Government of Canada can develop and evolve, and it recognizes and enshrines the unique contribution that the voluntary sector makes to improve the quality of life for Canadians. [...] Apart from calling on both parties to be accountable to Canadians, the Accord requires that: • the Government will consider the implications of legislation, policies and programs on the sector and engage the sector in open, informed and sustained dialogue, and; • the voluntary sector will identify important or emerging issues and trends and bring them to the Government of Canada's attention and ca. [...] In addition, the Advisor would use the "lens" of Service Canada's values and the principles contained in the Government's Accord with the voluntary sector and the Code of Good Practice on Funding to assist in the consideration of complaints. [...] The establishment of this Working Group is in keeping with the Accord between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector and supports the implementation of the broad principles of dialogue, cooperation and collaboration inherent in this Accord; an outcome of this working group will be the establishment of an Advisory Committee which will act as a means to continue the dialogue on a long-ter.