The Accord
An Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector
INTRODUCTION
REASON FOR THE ACCORD - WHY AND WHY NOW
The voluntary sector and the Government of Canada share a long tradition of joining forces to achieve common goals. Both sides believe, however, that there is benefit in formalizing the relationship with an Accord that will facilitate greater mutual understanding and more co-operative ways of working together.A number of factors have led to the development of this Accord:
- At the end of the millennium, globalization, an increasingly diverse population, new economic and social realities, and changing government roles resulted in increased pressure on the voluntary sector which in turn led the sector and the Government of Canada to search for better ways of working together and with others.
- The last decade also saw a greatly increased awareness of the voluntary sector and the contribution it makes to civil society in giving voice to citizens, identifying important and emerging issues, shaping policies and providing important services. The concept of the "voluntary sector as a sector" has been growing in the public consciousness and in the sector.
- Both the voluntary sector and the Government of Canada are large and diverse. It is important for each to know what to expect and to appreciate the roles, goals, and perspectives of the other.
- A number of provinces and other countries have seen benefits from setting out in writing the vision and expectations of the relationship between their governments and the voluntary sector. For example, in 1998, the development of Compacts between governments and the voluntary sector in the United Kingdom attracted worldwide interest.