ARCHIVED - Getting Government Right - Governing for Canadians

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Conclusion – Sustainable Government for Canada

Much has been accomplished in a few short years, but much remains to be done. We have set a course to provide Canadians with the sort of cooperative, effective, affordable and modern government that they must have, and can expect to have, as we move into the next century.

We have reclaimed Canada's fiscal sovereignty, but perseveranceand commitment remain necessary.

We have reclaimed Canada's fiscal sovereignty, but perseverance and commitment remain necessary.

We have rethought what the Government of Canada should do and what it should no longer do. Program Review has achieved fundamental change, but this constant questioning and striving for a better way must continue.

A modern government must be an open and accountable government. We are developing a new relationship with Parliament based on clear information emphasizing performance and results. We will continue to ensure that Canadians can see and judge what their government does on their behalf.

We have sharply reduced the size of the Public Service and are now embarked on a course of modernizing its management and rejuvenating its vigour and commitment. An effective and stimulating Public Service that draws some of the most energetic citizens into its ranks is essential for good government. Improving this important national institution will continue to be a priority.

To serve Canadians well, government must organize itself around the needs of its citizens. We will focus on finding new ways of delivering programs, including partnerships with others, to make government more accessible, more understandable and more useful to citizens.

Meeting these requirements will ensure that Canada's government can fulfil the roles that Canadians expect of it, roles that are no less important today than they have been over the history of our country:

• the economic union of Canada must operate as a whole, maximizing the contribution of each region to national economic growth, and maximizing the benefits each region receives from the resulting prosperity;
• Canada's fundamental social union, as a community dedicated to protecting and bettering each of its members, must be maintained and fostered;
• Canada as a whole must be able to respond to individuals and regions in need, whether that need arises from chronic disadvantage or from sudden disaster and loss;
• Canada must protect the rights of its citizens to participate in national life and to pursue their own interests and futures; and
• Canada must speak in the councils of the world with one voice, representing the interests and values of all its citizens.

 

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