November 27, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable 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.
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.
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.
I have directed that the sanctions not target essential services that support band members.
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.
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."
Minister's Office
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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