Document Information

Date: 1978-10-30
By: Secretariat of the Conference
Citation: Federal-Provincial Conference of First Ministers, Position of Provincial Ministers on Reducing Duplication of Government Services, Doc 800-8/021 (Ottawa: 30 October-1 November 1978).
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DOCUMENT 800-8/O21
FEDERAL—PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE
OF
FIRST MINISTERS
Position of Provincial Ministers on
Reducing Duplication of Government Services
Federal—Provincial Meeting
of Ministers Responsible for the Constitution
September 26, 1978
Ottawa
October 30-November I, 1978

We must demonstrate, and quickly, some concrete
successes which benefit the taxpayer. There must’be a
demonstration that’collective effort is directed toward
the reduction of red tape, duplication, and confusion
in government services.
The provinces are determined to play their part
in achieving these objectives.
We have examined thelfederal proposals for
studying duplication. As the Premiers have indicated,
elaborate and time—consuming studies are unnecessary.
Early decisions must be taken if there is to be
credibility to this effort. In the end, workable decisions
must be taken by elected representatives.
We must demonstrate our resolve to cooperate in
improving the practices of federalism. Accordingly, we
propose that the reduction of overlapping and duplication
take place at a number of levels over different periods
of time. We must establish a process that will achieve
concrete results as soon as possible.
Our priorities should be directed toward they
areas set out in the Premiers’ Conference communique
and other suggestions put foward by individual governments

_ 2 _
In proceeding towards these objectives, the
provinces have two concerns.
(a) They wish to emphasize that disentanglement
should not mean simply unilateral withdrawal
by one order of government, and regard it
as imperative that there must be consultation
and the provision of appropriate financial
resources in any such exercise.
(b) Once clarification has been achieved, some
provinces may wish to work out individual
arrangements with the federal government
in specific areas. _ ”
when the Premiers met in Regina, they stated that
there should be an early solution to overlapping government
services and regulation. The overall exercise will require
firm direction, and this group of ministers is best suited
to that role.
Once agreement has been reached, we should then establish
committees, as necessary, of federal and provincial Ministers
responsible for particular subject areas, to achieve specific
results.
It is understood this process will not supplant the
process of constitutional review of division of powers.