One year anniversary of the Registry of the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada

October 16, 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of the Registry of the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada, which came into existence with the coming into force of the Specific Claims Tribunal Act.

The Registry exists to provide services for the efficient and effective administration of the Specific Claims Tribunal.  In doing so, the Registry seeks to be a national and international leader in the administration of justice for Aboriginal people and the Crown, utilizing technology wherever possible.

The many achievements include the construction of the Multipurpose Tribunal Room, which incorporates many First Nations symbols in its design and serves as an example of cultural accommodation.  The Multipurpose Tribunal Room acts as the electronic hub for the administration of Tribunal proceedings wherever they may take place across Canada.

As our offices have grown, so has our staff. The Registry has classified and staffed key corporate positions and is beginning to focus on the staffing of Registry service positions.  Aboriginal perspectives and culture have been identified as an organizational need.

The Registry has completed many of the key corporate policies and much of the business planning for the effective, transparent, and accountable use of public resources, including the completion of Main Estimates, Report on Plans and Priorities, and internal financial policies.  The close attention to financial accountability and stewardship has resulted in operating expenditures falling well within 1% of the Registry's allocation.

The Registry has worked hard to engage and inform key stakeholders - including First Nations organizations, legal practitioners, provincial and federal departmental partners, and the judiciary - on its progress and direction through regular meetings, conferences, information sessions, and an open dialogue approach.

Finally, the Registry has been diligent in keeping up-to-date on international court administration’s best practices, with particular focus on advances in electronic administration and case management.

This busy year for the Registry was filled with many accomplishments. We have very much enjoyed rising to the many challenges that we have been faced with and look forward to continuing the pursuit or our mandate, mission, and vision to facilitate the final resolution of specific claims in Canada.