NEWS

Transparency and accountability for First Nations communities

Joe_Oliver_columnThe Transparency Act helps First Nations communities hold their chiefs accountable, by mandating their governments publish audited financial statements and details of expenses so they can be reviewed by their members. It also empowers voters with the information necessary to make informed choices.

Our legislation is working. For example, disclosures revealed that last year the B.C. Kwikwetlem chief, who leads a band of 82 people, received an $800,000 bonus, bringing his non-taxable earnings to nearly $1 million. There was deep concern over the size of his compensation and the use of public funding in this manner, which underscores the necessity for transparency and disclosure.

As we know, with disclosure can come accountability. So with information disclosed under the act, First Nations communities can now hold their leaders to account and determine whether their governments are acting in accordance with the community’s interests.

Our government has been working to ensure Aboriginal communities see value from the funds invested in their communities.

First Nations communities deserve access to the same basic financial information — like audited financial statements and the salaries and expenses of chiefs and councils — other Canadians are entitled to. Checks and balances will weed out and deter abuse by rogue officials and help assure that money is spent transparently and for the benefit of Aboriginal peoples.

For all these reasons, our Conservative government passed this legislation in the face of opposition from other parties, and we will continue to stand behind it.