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Appendix E The Social Union In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues is one example of the work of the social union, which is based on a commitment by jurisdictions to cooperative policy-making in the social policy area and which builds on the principles inherent in the concept of flexible and efficient federalism. In Unison is consistent with the partnership approach advanced by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Council on Social Policy Renewal (Council) whose ground rules include: cooperation, transparency, partnership, discretion and a 'whole of government' perspective. In their February 17, 1997 letter to First Ministers, the federal and provincial co-chairs of the Council, Pierre Pettigrew and Stockwell Day (Alberta), emphasized that goodwill, trust and mutual respect should guide governments' search for better collaboration in the design and delivery of social programs. The Council also has made a commitment to focus on Canadians' needs in developing policies, directions and programs that respond to these needs. The key ingredients of this new approach include: having an agreed and well-articulated set of principles and objectives; identifying a common agenda in recognition of roles and responsibilities and the need to manage interdependence; being willing to conduct business in a cooperative and open manner; and recognizing the need for public accountability. Accordingly, this document sets out an approach for how governments could cast such a new relationship in the area of persons with disabilities. In Unison responds specifically to the Council's agreement to pursue a seamless and coordinated system of benefits and services for persons with disabilities. In Unison seeks to develop a more coherent and integrated approach by taking into consideration current roles and responsibilities and by identifying priority areas for governments to work together for the benefit of Canadians with disabilities. Continued success of this initiative for persons with disabilities will depend on the collective will and ability of governments to collaborate fully on all aspects of policy-making. Such success can demonstrate to Canadians the ability of governments to work together to maintain and modernize social programs, and the tangible benefits of our federation.
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