Kelowna Accord

The accord sought to improve the education, employment, and living conditions for Aboriginal peoples through governmental funding and other programs.

Aboriginal leaders saw the accord as a step forward, as it involved a process of cooperation and consultation that brought all parties to the table.

The press release issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on the November 25, 2005 outlined $5.085 billion in spending over 5 years, but did not set out the means for the fiscal distribution between federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, and Aboriginal groups.

During testimony[7] before the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development it was disputed whether or not an accord had been formally signed and whether or not money had been budgeted for its implementation.

[8] The goal of the education investments was to ensure that the high school graduation rate of Aboriginal Canadians matched the rest of the population.

The province was the very first to move forward with the agreement, implementing its priorities in partnership with the private sector and the First Nation and Metis peoples.

Reports, however, show that federal participation is still critical because the present condition leads to diverse provincial strategies and objectives, which led to uneven results.