Kelowna Accord

First Ministers' Meeting

Nov 24, 2005

First Ministers' meting in Kelowna, B.C., took place Nov. 24-25 to discuss how ‘first ministers and national aboriginal leaders’ can strengthen relationships and close the gap’.

Liberals' proposed spending outline

Nov 25, 2005

Press release issued by the Office of the Prime Minister outlined $5.085B spending over 5 years to improve the education, employment, and living conditions for Aboriginals.

Term 'Kelowna Accord'

Dec 5, 2005

Term ‘Kelowna Accord, which was never used in the Fist Ministers’ Meeting, was coined by the Toronto Star in article dated Dec. 4, 2005.

Paul Martin's Liberal government falls

May 2, 2006

Liberal minority government of Paul Martin fell; subsequent federal elected resulted in Conservative minority government headed by Stephen Harper. Conservatives present first budget, indicating they were committed to meeting targets set out at First Ministers’ Meeting in Kelowna. However, did not agree with funding announcement set out in Nov. 25th press release.

Bill C-292

Jun 16, 2006

Ex PM Paul Martin introduces private members bill, Bill C-292, an 'Act to Implement the Kelowna Accord', calling government to follow through with agreements made in Kelowna Accord.

Bill C-292 rejected by Harper government

Mar 21, 2007

Bill was passed by Liberals, Bloc, NDP MPs, while Tory government voted against it. Harper subsequently rejected the Kelowna Accord, and failed to pass any parts of it.