August 4, 2006-  The Honourable John Baird, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, announced today that the independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants and Contributions has begun online consultations with Canadians that will continue until September 15, 2006 at www.brp-gde.ca.

Grants and contributions are the primary way that the Federal Government provides funding to Canada's voluntary sector and are the single largest source of funding for most sector organizations.

The Federal Government created the panel in June as part of the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan. The Panel's mandate is to identify how to strengthen accountability for the funds spent on grants and contributions programs. The Panel will also examine ways of reducing administrative barriers to access and manage these funds.

Over 50 federal departments and agencies manage approximately $26 billion each year in grants and contributions to individuals, corporations and non-government organizations that deliver important programs and services to Canadians—from health program delivery and research, to funding for arts and heritage projects, to employment and skills development programs.

The Panel's recommendations will be submitted to the Government in December 2006. They will be considered in developing the new Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.

Deadline for online feedback is September 15, 2006. Visit www.brp-gde.ca to learn more about the panel, read the background consultation paper or to submit feedback.