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Whether it is a Canadian government sanctioned report or a United Nations' study, native Canadians living on Indian reserves are the most disadvantaged of all Canadian citizens. The newly minted Conservative government promised many things during the recent campaign. Although aboriginal policy was barely touched upon, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) offers this, the first of a three-part series examining the Conservative's platform:

Kelowna First Ministers Conference

In late November, the First Ministers gathered in Kelowna for a two-day aboriginal summit. At the end of their discussions a series of "plans for action" to eradicate poverty on Canada's native reserves within the next 10 years was unveiled. To aid this pledge, the former government promised to spend an additional $5.1 billion over the next five years. It's a laudable goal, but one that will not likely succeed.

The Conservatives promised to move forward on the goal to eradicate poverty in 10 years, however, they did not promise to spend the additional $5.1 billion. This is good news for taxpayers, because the money was not tied to any measurable goals or outcomes. Moreover, each plan for housing, healthcare or education adds to the bureaucracy of Indian affairs. None of these plans address the main flaw in the aboriginal affairs system - native reserves.

The targets to eradicate poverty on reserves are laudable, but the new Tory government must ensure the targets and money spent are tied to measurable goals and/or achievements to ensure taxpayers receive value for money spent.

Private Property

The Conservatives plan to support the development of individual property ownership on reserves, and to encourage lending for private housing and businesses.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation applauds this pledge. Pride of ownership provides a powerful motivation for individuals to improve their property. It explains why homeowners are willing to spend their weekends fixing their houses and mowing their lawns. The reason they do so is because the property is theirs and theirs alone. They own it in "fee simple" - that is to say, outright.

For almost a decade the CTF has urged the federal government to implement a system of private property ownership - on a pilot basis or otherwise - on native reserves in Canada as a way to reduce poverty. If native communities are to become economically self-sustaining, the reserve land which is now held in trust by the Crown should be transferred to individuals natives who comprise a native community. It would then be up to natives themselves to decide if they want to transfer the land into a communal arrangement or allow for the property be owned and managed individually.

The above CTF recommendation may take a decade or more to be implement. But, in the mean time native bands should make use of Certificates of Possession (COPs). When a band issues a COP, the landholder is deemed to have an interest in the property he inhabits. This interest may then be used to apply for mortgage financing, which is otherwise unavailable to reserve residents. In addition, land held under a COP can be subdivided, left to an heir or sold to another person having a right to reside on that reserve, certificate holders tend to assume the mindset and habits of a true property owner. Therefore, Certificates of Possession should be better utilized to promote pride of ownership and prosperity in native communities.

Measurable goals, accountability and private property are a step forward to eradicate poverty on Canada's native reserves. Let's hope the Conservatives begin to move forward with their promises.