In two recent examples, it was shown that certain chiefs' remuneration was at rates higher than those for the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Alberta, while citizens in the two communities cited were at income levels below the poverty line.

17. Takes the view that these problems cannot only be resolved by centrally imposed controls, and that the current situation clearly demonstrates the need for new instruments to enhance the Commission's insight into the Member States' management and control systems; considers that only sufficiently comprehensive ex-ante disclosure in a formal Disclosure Statement and an annual ex-post Declaration of Assurance as regards the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions from each Member State's highest political and managing authority (Finance Minister), as suggested several times by the Commission's Internal Audit Service, will ...[+++] enable the Commission to fulfil its obligations under Article 274 of the Treaty;

21. Takes the view that these problems cannot only be resolved by centrally imposed controls, and that the current situation clearly demonstrates the need for new instruments to enhance the Commission's insight into the Member States' management and control systems; considers that only sufficiently comprehensive ex-ante disclosure in a formal Disclosure Statement and an annual ex-post Declaration of Assurance as regards the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions from each Member State's highest political and managing authority (Finance Minister), as suggested several times by the Commission's Internal Audit Service , wil ...[+++]l enable the Commission to fulfil its obligations under Article 274 of the Treaty;

25. Advises the Commission and the Council of the difficulties involved in concluding an Interinstitutional Agreement on the new Financial Perspective until the principle of disclosure statements from each Member State's highest political and managing authority (Finance Minister) as described in paragraphs 21-23 has been fully accepted and its operational implementation given status as a matter of priority;

51. Underlines that accountability for the use of EU funds begins in the Member States and that disclosure statements, as described in paragraphs 21-23, by each Member State's highest political and managing authority (Finance Minister) must consequently form an integral part of the Community internal control framework;

The question was raised in the House last week. The Government of Canada advertised for 50 senior civil servants, upper management jobs, if you wish, and other jobs as well, across the country.