On Parliament Hill

I commend our Conservative Government for introducing and passing legislation that requires First Nations Governments to open their financial statements to the public. Included in this law is the requirement that Chiefs disclose their incomes.

It has been a long time coming that Chiefs and Council disclose their incomes to the taxpayer and the very people they represent.

In March of 2013, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FTNA – Bill C-27) received Royal Assent in Parliament. This resulted in basic First Nations financial information being available to their members and published on the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development website as of July 2014.

First Nations have 120 days after the end of the financial year to publish the documents online. These financial documents include:

• audited consolidated financial statements;
• the Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses;
• the auditor’s written report respecting the consolidated financial statements; and
• the auditor’s report or the review engagement report, as the case may be, respecting the Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses.

This is much welcomed news for both the taxpayer and the people who are represented by First Nations Governments. In a modern and digital age, I don’t see any reason why Chief’s salaries wouldn’t be disclosed.

Most recently Justin Trudeau stated that, if elected, he would repeal the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.

Our Government believes that First Nations deserve transparency and accountability from their band leaders. That is why we passed the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which empowers community members and ensures that they are informed of their community’s financial situation. Justin Trudeau voted against the bill.

Despite Trudeau’s opposition, Phyllis Sutherland, a Peguis band member and President of the Peguis Accountability Coalition, supports our legislation. She has publicly stated that “Bill C-27 will lead to big changes in accountability and transparency in First Nation communities. People at the grassroots level will be able to access information about their community without fear of intimidation or reprisal.”

Like Phyllis Sutherland, I believe that many people in Provencher support Bill C-27. If you would like to comment on our efforts to disclose First Nations Chiefs’ salaries online, please feel free to write or contact my office at: 8-227 Main St., Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Y7. Ph. 204-326-9889

I thank you for taking the time to share your opinions with me on this important issue.