Voluntary Sector Initiative

An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector

December 2001

Voluntary Sector An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector

December 2001 National Library of Canada cataloguing in publication data

Canada. Voluntary Sector Task Force

An Accord between the Government of Canada and the voluntary sector

Text in English and French on inverted pages. Title on added t.p.: Accord entre le gouvernement du Canada et le secteur bénévole et communautaire. ISBN 0-662-66216-4 Cat. No. CP32-75/2001

1. Voluntarism — Government policy — Canada. 2. Nonprofit organizations — Government policy — Canada. 3. Charities — Government policy — Canada. I. Canada. Privy Council Office. II. Title. III. Title: Accord entre le gouvernement du Canada et le secteur bénévole et communautaire.

HN110.V64 2001 361.3’7’0971 C2001-980384-2E

Foreword

The Government of Canada and the The joint process that led to the Accord voluntary sector have a long history of reflects the strong links between the working together for the common good voluntary sector and the Government of . We share a commitment of Canada. The work of the Joint to improving the quality of life in Accord Table, which was responsible Canada and to fostering the develop- for drafting the document and ment of vibrant, healthy communities. consulting across Canada, was open Our relationship is built on a sound and respectful. The Accord itself will, foundation of trust and mutual respect. we believe, encourage everyone to continue on this path. Over a year ago, we launched the Voluntary Sector Initiative, a joint We view the Accord as a step toward endeavour to better serve Canadians the enhancement of the relationship by strengthening the capacity of the between the voluntary sector and the voluntary sector and enhancing the Government of Canada. We must relationship between the voluntary now take the next step and put this sector and the Government of Canada. agreement into practice. It will be The Reference Group of Ministers on judged a success when it results in a the Voluntary Sector provided oversight more effective working relationship on behalf of the Government of based on the shared values and Canada. A Voluntary Sector Steering principles outlined in the Accord. Group performed a parallel function We look forward to continuing our on behalf of the voluntary sector. A shared journey on the basis of this key element of the Initiative has been Accord and to building the next stage the joint development of this Accord, of our relationship for the benefit a document to guide the relationship, of Canadians. making it clearer, making it better.

The Honourable Lucienne Robillard Marlene Deboisbriand Chair, Reference Group of Ministers Chair, Voluntary Sector Steering Group1 on the Voluntary Sector1

1 List of members included in Annex

iii Letter of transmittal

It is with great pleasure that we present departments and agencies of the this Accord Between the Government Government of Canada offered their of Canada and the Voluntary Sector. views. Special effort was also made to reach rural Canadians and visible The purpose of the Accord is to minorities. Provincial and territorial strengthen the ability of both the officials and representatives from Government of Canada and the volun- Aboriginal groups, the private sector, tary sector to better serve Canadians. labour unions and the academic We believe that this Accord moves community were consulted. the two sectors toward greater mutual understanding and provides What emerged was a remarkable the framework within which the consensus about the content of the relationship can develop and evolve. Accord and the values, principles and commitments necessary for a stronger The Accord document was written by a relationship between the Government working group, the Joint Accord Table, of Canada and the voluntary sector. comprising fourteen individuals from the Government of Canada and the We want to thank the more than voluntary sector. The Table members 2,000 Canadians who participated in were selected to reflect a cross-section the consultation process. It is our hope of federal government departments that the Accord will lead not only to and the voluntary sector. more effective and fruitful relations between the voluntary sector and the To ensure that a broad range of view- Government of Canada, but also to a points was heard, the Joint Accord greater understanding of the important Table held two rounds of consultations contribution made by the voluntary during the summer and fall of 2001. sector to our quality of life. People from a wide range of voluntary sector organizations and from the

iv We also wish to thank the staff This includes a plan for monitoring and members, from the Voluntary Sector reporting on progress and draft codes Initiative Secretariat and the Voluntary or standards of good practice to help Sector Task Force of the Privy Council guide future interactions. Office, who provided content and Since the consultations indicated logistical support to the Joint Accord wide acceptance and support for the Table. They carried out their work in content and purpose of the Accord, a professional manner, displaying the we are proud to commend it to the spirit of collaboration that the Accord Government of Canada and the hopes to build. voluntary sector. The Joint Accord Table will dedicate the coming months to developing recom- mendations to implement the Accord.

Lynne Toupin Bill McCloskey Sector Co-chair Government Co-chair Joint Accord Table2 Joint Accord Table2

2 List of Table members included in Annex

v

Table of Contents

Introduction Context ...... 2 The Parties to this Accord...... 3 Scope of the Accord...... 4 Reason for the Accord – Why and Why Now...... 4 Process Leading to an Accord ...... 5 The Accord I Purpose of the Accord ...... 7 II Values Democracy...... 7 Active Citizenship ...... 7 Equality ...... 7 Diversity ...... 7 Inclusion ...... 7 Social Justice ...... 7 III Principles Independence...... 8 Interdependence...... 8 Dialogue...... 8 Co-operation and Collaboration ...... 9 Accounting to Canadians ...... 9 IV Commitments to Action Shared Commitments ...... 9 Government of Canada Commitments ...... 9 Voluntary Sector Commitments ...... 10 V Taking the Accord Forward ...... 10 Conclusion ...... 11 Annex A – Reference Group of Ministers on the Voluntary Sector ...... 12 Annex B – Voluntary Sector Steering Group...... 13 Annex C – Joint Accord Table ...... 15

1 Introduction

CONTEXT children in need. All of these began as voluntary initiatives. Today, both Every day in Canada, volunteers the public and voluntary sectors and staff working in thousands of are involved in the delivery of voluntary sector organizations are these services. actively involved in making a difference in improving their communities. This is Voluntary sector organizations bring the Canadian way. The voluntary sector3 their knowledge, expertise and compas- is one of three pillars that constitute sion in working with communities and Canadian society, together with the individuals to public policy debates and public4 and private sectors. Our quality identify priorities to governments. By of life, our economic strength and the encouraging people to participate and vitality of our democratic institutions work together for common causes, the depend on the vibrancy of these sector strengthens citizen engagement, interdependent sectors and the support gives voice to the voiceless, allows they provide to one another. for multiple perspectives to be heard on a variety of issues, and provides Voluntary sector groups touch virtually opportunities for people to practice all aspects of our society from social the skills of democratic life. justice, human rights, environment, health and faith to arts and culture, The voluntary sector provides sports and recreation. They deliver opportunities for millions of volunteers services critical to Canadians, advocate to contribute to the life of their com- for common causes, support economic munities. The term “volunteer” refers and community development in Canada to all who work by choice, without and worldwide, and raise funds. remuneration, on causes or for people outside their personal sphere. People The voluntary sector has also been volunteer formally, through organiza- instrumental in the development of tions, or informally by participating most of the public services we rely on and helping others. Volunteering takes today as essential aspects of a caring different forms in different cultures and society – schools, hospitals, assistance different regions of the country. People to the disadvantaged, and care for

3 The voluntary sector – also described as non-profit, third sector, non-governmental, community-based, and charitable sector. 4 The public sector includes all levels of government – federal, provincial, territorial, regional and local.

2 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector work and volunteer in the voluntary Although many voluntary sector sector because they are committed organizations rely on paid staff to to making a difference and believe carry out their work, all depend on deeply in the work they are doing. volunteers, at least on their boards of directors. Aboriginal people have a special place in Canadian society, and the content The voluntary sector is large, consisting of this framework agreement needs to of an estimated 180,000 non-profit be interpreted or applied differently to organizations (of which 80,000 are reflect their point of view. registered as charities) and hundreds of thousands more volunteer groups Volunteers are involved in all three that are not incorporated. In 2000, sectors5 but it is the voluntary sector 6.5 million people volunteered their that has been built by volunteers and time to a voluntary sector organization continues to do the most to mobilize and the sector employed a further their efforts. The rich network of organ- 1.3 million people. This diverse izations, called the voluntary sector, multitude of organizations ranges helps make Canada the humane, caring from small community-based groups to and prosperous nation it is and is one large, national umbrella organizations of the strengths for which Canada is and includes such organizations as known around the world. neighbourhood associations, service clubs, advocacy coalitions, food banks, THE PARTIES shelters, transition houses, symphonies TO THIS ACCORD and local sports clubs. The Voluntary Sector The Government of Canada This Accord applies to the voluntary This Accord applies to the departments sector. This sector consists of organiza- and agencies of the Government tions that exist to serve a public benefit, of Canada. are self-governing, do not distribute any profits to members, and depend Almost every aspect of Canadian to a meaningful degree on volunteers. life is in some way affected by the Membership or involvement in these Government of Canada. Every day, organizations is not compulsory, and millions of Canadians rely on essential they are independent of, and institution- services provided by the Government ally distinct from the formal structures of Canada including national security, of government and the private sector. peacekeeping, protection of rights

5 Paid staff also work in all three sectors. Many are represented by labour unions that also provide fora where employees can take part in activities of benefit to them, their organization or their community.

INTRODUCTION 3 and freedoms, protection of the regulatory, economic and social context environment, protection of the health it shapes. It acknowledges that there are of Canadians, maintenance of national circumstances where the Government of parks and treasures, communication Canada and voluntary sector organiza- and technology development, trans- tions may advocate different courses of portation guidelines and services, policy action or choose to tackle issues and many more. of common interest separately.

The Government of Canada also plays This Accord does not compel the an important role in the development Government of Canada and the volun- of Canadian and global economies. tary sector to work together; rather, it Further, it sustains relations with other outlines the values and principles that countries. Finally, the Government will govern the relationship when they of Canada makes laws and rules that choose to work together. apply to all and affect many aspects of Canadians’ daily lives. REASON FOR THE ACCORD – WHY SCOPE OF AND WHY NOW THE ACCORD The voluntary sector and the The Accord’s focus is on the relation- Government of Canada share a long ship between the voluntary sector tradition of joining forces to achieve and the Government of Canada. Both common goals. Both sides believe, the Government of Canada and the however, that there is benefit in voluntary sector have relationships formalizing the relationship with with other levels of government an Accord that will facilitate greater (provincial, territorial, local), private mutual understanding and more sector entities and labour unions. co-operative ways of working together. Each of these relationships has its A number of factors have led to the own history and dynamics. The development of this Accord: Accord recognizes the importance of these relationships but it does • At the end of the millennium, not apply to them. globalization, an increasingly diverse population, new economic The Accord also recognizes that many and social realities, and changing voluntary sector organizations do not government roles resulted in work directly with the Government increased pressure on the voluntary of Canada but are affected by the sector which in turn led the sector

4 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector and the Government of Canada to THE PROCESS search for better ways of working LEADING TO together and with others. AN ACCORD • The last decade also saw a greatly In 1995, twelve national umbrella increased awareness of the voluntary organizations covering most parts of sector and the contribution it makes the voluntary sector came together as to civil society in giving voice to the Voluntary Sector Roundtable (VSR) citizens, identifying important and to strengthen the voice of the sector. Its emerging issues, shaping policies goals were to enhance the relationship and providing important services. between the sector and the Government The concept of the “voluntary sector of Canada, to strengthen the sector’s as a sector” has been growing in capacity and to improve the legal the public consciousness and in and regulatory framework governing the sector. the sector.

• Both the voluntary sector and the In 1999, the VSR released the final Government of Canada are large report of an independent panel of and diverse. It is important for inquiry it commissioned in 1997 to each to know what to expect and study issues of accountability and to appreciate the roles, goals, and governance in the voluntary sector. perspectives of the other. Known as the “Broadbent Panel”, the report it prepared was called • A number of provinces and other Building on Strength: Improving countries have seen benefits from Governance and Accountability in setting out in writing the vision Canada’s Voluntary Sector. This report and expectations of the relationship contained 41 recommendations for the between their governments and the voluntary sector and for governments voluntary sector. For example, in that would strengthen the sector’s 1998, the development of Compacts ability to function effectively. between governments and the voluntary sector in the United During this same period, the Kingdom attracted worldwide Government of Canada was also interest. looking at its relationship with the voluntary sector. The Government recognized the need for a strong and

INTRODUCTION 5 vital voluntary sector if it was to meet on its content and approach took place its goal of improved quality of life for across Canada during the summer and Canadians. fall of 2001. People from a wide range of voluntary sector organizations, and Following the release of the Broadbent others with an interest in the sector, Panel report, voluntary sector members offered their views and advice on the and federal officials met in three proposed Accord and what it could groups, called “joint tables”, to make mean for their organizations and their recommendations on sector/government communities. Federal departments and relationships, to strengthen the volun- agencies of the Government of Canada tary sector’s capacity, and to improve were also consulted. Labour unions, regulations and legislation. They business entities, Aboriginal organiza- tabled a report in August 1999 tions, groups representing visible called Working Together, containing minorities, academic institutions and 26 recommendations for action. policy and research think tanks were The 1999 Speech from the Throne also invited to provide their views. Many reinforced the Government’s commit- individuals also sent their comments. ment to build its relationship with the The idea of an Accord was well voluntary sector. This was followed in received and there was broad consensus June 2000, with the Government of on the values and principles presented Canada’s announcement of funding for in the Accord. It is on the basis of this the Voluntary Sector Initiative, which broad involvement and support that included the development of an Accord. this Accord is recommended to the The Joint Accord Table was established voluntary sector and the Government with a mandate to develop an Accord, of Canada. consult widely on it, and then develop and consult on measures required to put it into practice. The draft Accord was developed and broad consultations

6 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector The Accord

I. PURPOSE OF THE ACCORD interrelated and together create the climate for improving and enhancing The purpose of the Accord is to the lives of all Canadians: strengthen the ability of both the voluntary sector and the Government Democracy – upholding the right to of Canada to better serve Canadians. associate freely, to express views freely and to engage in advocacy. The strength of this Accord derives from the joint work that produced it. While Active Citizenship – welcoming the the Accord is not a legal document, it is active involvement or engagement designed to guide the evolution of the of individuals and communities in relationship by identifying the common shaping society whether through values, principles and commitments that political or voluntary activity or both. will shape future practices. It focuses on what unites the two sectors, honours the Equality – respecting the rights contributions of both, and respects their of Canadians under the Canadian unique strengths and different ways Charter of Rights and Freedoms and of working. the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the rights of individuals worldwide The Accord represents a public as defined by the United Nations commitment to more open, transparent, Universal Declaration of Human Rights. consistent and collaborative ways of working together. When working Diversity – respecting the rich together, the Government of Canada variety of cultures, languages, and the voluntary sector seek to fulfil identities, interests, views, abilities, the commitments set out in the Accord and communities in Canada. and in so doing enhance the quality Inclusion – welcoming the expression of life of all Canadians. and representation of diversity and II. VALUES upholding the right of each to speak and be heard. The Accord is based on the following six Canadian values that are most Social Justice – ensuring the full relevant to the relationship between participation in the social, economic the Government of Canada and the and political life of communities. voluntary sector. These values are

THE ACCORD 7 III. PRINCIPLES Interdependence The Accord is based on guiding The voluntary sector and the principles: Government of Canada recognize that:

Independence • The actions of one can directly or The Government of Canada and the indirectly affect the other, since both voluntary sector are autonomous, often share the same objective of have unique strengths and separate common good, operate in the same accountabilities, and agree that: areas of Canadian life, and serve the same clients; and • The Government of Canada is accountable to all Canadians for its • Each has complex and important actions and has a responsibility to relationships with others (business, identify issues of national concern labour, provincial, territorial and and mobilize resources to address local governments, etc.) and the them, establish policies and make Accord is not meant to affect these decisions in the best interest of other relationships. all Canadians; Dialogue • Voluntary sector organizations are The voluntary sector and the accountable to their supporters and Government of Canada, recognizing to those they serve in providing that sharing of ideas, perspectives, services, organizing activities and and experiences contributes to better giving collective voice at the local, understanding, improved identification national and international level; of priorities, and sound public policy, • The independence of voluntary sector agree that: organizations includes their right • Dialogue should be open, respectful, within the law to challenge public informed, sustained, and welcome policies, programs and legislation a range of viewpoints; and to advocate for change; and • Dialogue should be carried out in • Advocacy is inherent to debate and a way which respects each party’s change in a democratic society and, confidential information, and builds subject to the above principles, it and maintains trust; and should not affect any funding relationship that might exist. • Appropriately designed processes and governance structures are necessary to achieve sustained dialogue.

8 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector Co-operation and Collaboration Canadians. In moving into the future the following commitments will be The Government of Canada and the essential. voluntary sector agree that the social fabric of communities is strengthened Shared Commitments and civic engagement is increased The voluntary sector and the when they work together to address Government of Canada commit to: issues of mutual concern, and that: • Act in a manner consistent with the • Working together to identify values and principles in this Accord; common priorities or complementary objectives will help facilitate • Develop the mechanisms and co-operation and collaboration; and processes required to put the Accord into action; • Working relationships should be flexible and respect what others • Work together as appropriate to contribute and the challenges and achieve shared goals and objectives; constraints under which they operate. and

Accounting to Canadians • Promote awareness and understand- ing of the contributions that each In addition to their separate account- makes to Canadian society. abilities, the voluntary sector and the Government of Canada are Government of Canada accountable for maintaining the trust Commitments and confidence of Canadians by: The Government of Canada • Ensuring transparency, high commits to: standards of conduct and sound management in their work • Recognize and consider the together; and implications of its legislation, regulations, policies and programs • Monitoring and reporting on on voluntary sector organizations the results. including the importance of funding policies and practices for the further IV. COMMITMENTS TO ACTION development of the relationship and The values and principles of the Accord the strengthening of the voluntary are the starting point for the develop- sector’s capacity; ment of the relationship. Success in • Recognize its need to engage the building the relationship will depend voluntary sector in open, informed on the actions and practices of both and sustained dialogue in order the Government of Canada and the that the sector may contribute its voluntary sector for the benefit of all experience, expertise, knowledge, THE ACCORD 9 and ideas in developing better public • Appropriate organizational structures policies and in the design and in the Government of Canada and delivery of programs; and the voluntary sector to give effect to the provisions of the Accord; • Address the issue of ministerial responsibility for the continued • Processes for monitoring the Accord, development of the relationship reporting to Canadians on the status with the voluntary sector. of the relationship and the results that have been achieved, resolving Voluntary Sector Commitments disputes, agreeing on next steps, and The voluntary sector commits to: discussing the strategic opportunities for future collaboration; • Continue to identify important or emerging issues and trends in • Codes or standards of good practice communities, and act on them or to help guide interactions between bring them to the attention of the government departments and Government of Canada; voluntary sector organizations on aspects of the relationship such as • Serve as a means for the voices and policy dialogue, funding, and other views of all parts of the voluntary issues as identified; sector to be represented to and heard by the Government of Canada, • A regular meeting between Ministers ensuring that the full depth and and sector representatives to discuss diversity of the sector is reached the results that have been achieved; and engaged; and and

• Address the issue of responsibility • Ongoing actions to increase for the continued development of awareness about the Accord within the relationship with the Government the sector and the Government of of Canada. Canada, and among Canadians.

V. TAKING THE The goal is that the Accord and its ACCORD FORWARD implementation plan will provide an enabling framework that will help the The Accord is the beginning of a jour- voluntary sector and the Government ney. Measures are needed to implement of Canada better serve Canadians. its provisions. The voluntary sector and the Government of Canada agree to develop in a timely fashion:

10 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector Conclusion

Canadians expect strong, vibrant realize their potential. To better serve and engaged communities, and seek Canadians and help them achieve the to build a solid, just and inclusive society they want, the Government society where values and principles of Canada and the voluntary sector count, where the full range of human seek to strengthen their relationship. activities is encouraged, and where The Accord is the starting point of individuals and communities can that journey.

CONCLUSION 11 Annex A

REFERENCE GROUP OF MINISTERS ON THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR

Chair: Lucienne Robillard President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure

The Honourable Herbert Eser Gray The Honourable Jane Stewart Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Human Resources Development The Honourable Minister of Industry The Honourable Minister for International Cooperation The Honourable Sheila Copps Minister of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) The Honourable (Status of Women) Minister of Health

The Honourable Minister of National Revenue and Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Québec)

12 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector Annex B

VOLUNTARY SECTOR STEERING GROUP

Paddy Bowen Colleen Kelly Executive Director Executive Director Volunteer Canada* Volunteer Vancouver

Marlene Deboisbriand Victor Lachance Chair, Voluntary Sector Steering Group President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer and Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport* Senior Vice President United Way of Canada-Centraide Marcel Lauzière Canada* Executive Director Canadian Council on Social Colleen Ford Development* Executive Director Canadian Parks and Recreation Suzanne Lawson Association* National Executive Director Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society Bonnie Greene* of Canada Program Director, Division of Mission United Church of Canada Susan Lewis President Al Hatton United Way of Winnipeg Executive Director The Coalition of National Voluntary Don McCreesh Organizations* Chair, Board of Directors YMCA of Greater Toronto Patrick Johnston President and Chief Executive Officer Esperanza Moreno Canadian Centre for Philanthropy* Deputy Director Canadian Council for Sol Kasimer International Cooperation* Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Canada for the Health Charities Council Ann Mowatt of Canada* Past Chair, Board of Directors The Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations

* denotes member organization or representative of the Voluntary Sector Roundtable

ANNEX 13 Martha Parker Megan Williams Executive Director National Director Volunteer Calgary Canadian Conference of the Arts*

Monica Patten Bob Wyatt President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Director Community Foundations of Canada* The Muttart Foundation

Lucie Rémillard Canadian Environmental Network* President and Executive Director Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundation Dr. Anu Bose Representative of the National Visible Penelope Rowe Minority Reference Group Chief Executive Officer of the Voluntary Community Services Council, Sector Initiative Secretariat Newfoundland & Labrador Doreen Saulis Lynne Toupin Representative of the Aboriginal Chief Executive Officer Reference Group of the Voluntary Canadian Co-operative Association Sector Initiative Secretariat

Michael Weil President and Chief Executive Officer YMCA

* denotes member organization or representative of the Voluntary Sector Roundtable

14 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector Annex C

JOINT ACCORD TABLE The Table is composed of an equal number of government officials and The Joint Accord Table was formed members of the voluntary sector and in the fall of 2000 as part of the is jointly co-chaired. The work that it Voluntary Sector Initiative. The produces is a result of consensus mandate of the Table was to develop between the sectors. the current framework document – the Accord – and associated monitoring The Government of Canada officials and reporting measures that will and members of the voluntary sector improve the way the Government of who developed this Accord are: Canada and the voluntary sector work together for the benefit of Canadians.

Lynne Toupin (co-chair) Bill McCloskey (co-chair) Chief Executive Officer Assistant Commissioner Canadian Co-operative Association Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Huguette Beauchamp Guillaume Bissonnette1 Présidente General Director Association québécoise de défense Finance Canada des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées Colleen Ford Kristine Burr Executive Director Assistant Deputy Solicitor General Canadian Parks and Recreation Solicitor General Canada Association Al Hatton Matthew King2 Executive Director Assistant Deputy Minister The Coalition of National Voluntary Fisheries and Oceans Canada Organizations Wayne Helgason Martha Nixon Executive Director Assistant Deputy Minister Social Planning Council of Winnipeg Citizenship and Immigration Canada

ANNEX 15 Graham Stewart Jean-Guy Saint-Martin Executive Director Assistant Deputy Minister John Howard Society of Canada Canada Economic Development Elaine Teofilovici Susan Scotti Chief Executive Officer Assistant Deputy Minister YWCA of/du Canada Human Resources Development Canada

1 Guillaume Bissonnette replaced by: 2 Matthew King replaced by: Réal Bouchard Eva Kmiecic Director Deputy Commissioner Finance Canada Royal Canadian Mounted Police September 2001 September 2001

The development and publication of this Accord document by the Joint Accord Table was made possible through the strong support received from a dedicated team composed of staff from the Voluntary Sector Task Force (Privy Council Office) and the Voluntary Sector Initiative Secretariat. They guided the research and development of the Accord and provided expertise, knowledge and advice to the Joint Accord Table members throughout the process.

The team members who provided this dedicated support were: Susan Carter Joanne Cousineau Gary Evans Susan Fletcher Georges Grujic Rebecca Hales Kate Humpage Micheline Lavoie Peter Mathieson Many other people were instrumental in providing policy, communication, and consultation support essential to the success of the project.

Observer to the Joint Accord Table: Susan Phillips, Associate Professor, Carleton University.

16 An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector