Ottawa Starts Posting Financial Information Online
OTTAWA – Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today on the First Nations Financial Transparency Act: “I am pleased to report that 529 of 582 First Nations now have their documents published under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA), providing their members with more transparent and accountable governance and in turn helping to ensure band revenues are being used for their benefit”.
- Withholding funding for non-essential programs, services and activities
- Withholding of new or proposal-based non-essential program funding;
- Publishing the names of all non-compliant First Nations on the AANDC website; and
- In the case of those First Nations who have indicated they have no intention of complying, seeking court orders to require publication”.
“I have directed that the sanctions not target essential services that support band members”.
Onion Lake Cree Nation Challenges Legislation
Onion Lake Cree First Nation has taken the federal government to court questioning the Constitutionality of the new federal legislation. The Cree First Nation says, “Unconstitutional Legislation Persecuting Indigenous Peoples & Infringing on their Inherent & Treaties. C-27 promotes Racial Profiling, Discrimination, & Genocide while Attacking Indigenous Self Determination. Canadians should be concerned, who is next?”
Due to extenuating circumstances, action against one First Nation will be postponed so that it may submit its documents at a later date. The First Nation is Kashechewan First Nation, Ontario, due to a flood.
Valcourt concluded, “With this Act, our Government has made financial information more accessible to First Nation members, which leads to more effective, transparent and accountable governance as well as stronger, more self-sufficient and prosperous communities.”
Ontario First Nations Facing Financial Sanctions
- Wahta Mohawks
- Taykwa Tagamou Nation
- Weenusk First Nation
- Wabauskang First Nation
- Ginoogaming First Nation
- Gull Bay First Nation
- Whitesand First Nation
- Bearskin Lake First Nation
- Fort Severn First Nation
- Chapleau Ojibway First Nation
- Neskantaga First Nation
- Kashechewan First Nation
Additional Lnks
- First Nations Financial Transparency Act
- Frequently Asked Questions: First Nations Financial Transparency Act
- First Nations Profiles: Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
- Reducing the Administrative Burden on First Nations
- Questions and Answers Related to the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA)