Turning a New Leaf - Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan

On April 11, 2006, the Government of Canada introduced the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan, delivering on its commitment to make government more accountable.

Through the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan, the Government of Canada is bringing forward specific measures to help strengthen accountability and increase transparency and oversight in government operations. The comprehensive Action Plan includes a proposed Federal Accountability Act, supporting policy and other non-legislative measures, and a draft bill to amend the Access to Information Act.

Through this Action Plan, the Government is committed to:

• Reforming the financing of political parties
• Banning secret donations to political candidates
• Strengthening the role of the Ethics Commissioner
• Toughening the Lobbyists Registration Act
• Ensuring truth in budgeting with a Parliamentary Budget Authority
• Making qualified government appointments
• Cleaning up the procurement of government contracts
• Cleaning up government polling and advertising
• Providing real protection for whistleblowers
• Strengthening access to information legislation
• Strengthening the power of the Auditor General
• Strengthening auditing and accountability within departments
• Creating a Director of Public Prosecutions