On Parliament Hill

Should First Nations Governments be held to the same standard of accountability as other levels of government?

If you answered yes, then our Conservative Government agrees with you. In fact, we passed legislation last year that ensures First Nations Governments make financial information publicly available. This includes:

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

The Act applies the same principles of transparency and accountability to First Nation governments that already exist for other governments in Canada and also helps to empower any person, including First Nation members, to hold governments accountable by seeking a Court Order for the publication of documents if the requirements of the Act are not fulfilled.

Did you Know?

You are able to access information on salaries and expenditures for Members of Parliament online at Parliament of Canada website.

How well has FNFTA worked?

Since becoming law, I am very encouraged to see that 529 of 582 First Nations now have their documents published under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act! This is providing their members with more transparent and accountable governance and in turn helping to ensure band revenues are being used for their benefit.

What about those who do not comply?

With regard to non-compliant First Nations, at this time our Government will be taking action according to the provisions of the law which will include:

• 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.

The sanctions will not target essential services that support band members.

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.