This paper provides an overview of the governance and accountability challenges that have been emerging within some Canadian jurisdictions and especially in federal-provincial relations. It explores some of the issues that have arisen as governments develop more partnerships and collaborative relationships with other governments, with non-governmental organizations, with regional and community structures, and with Aboriginal governments and communities. It begins to formulate and share best practices, and synthesizes the recommendations of participants at a CPRN roundtable on how best to move forward on policies for children and families in this changing environment.