December 8, 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:
"First Nations, like all Canadians, deserve transparency and accountability from their elected leaders. That is why we passed the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA) which empowers First Nation members to ensure band revenues are used for the benefit of the entire community.
Effective immediately, we are taking court action as provided by the Act against band governments who have indicated their intention not to comply with the Act.
I have directed the department to bring applications to the Federal Court for an order requiring the band governments from the Council of First Nations of Thunderchild, Ochapowace and Onion Lake in Saskatchewan; and Sawridge, Athabasca Chipewyan and Cold Lake in Alberta to publish Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules of Remuneration and Expenses for chief and council for the benefit of their members.
We will continue to withhold funding for non-essential programs for all non-compliant First Nations.
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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