‘Nation-to-nation’ indigenous relationship grows
Spending transparency laws brought in by Tories led to public shaming, court action
OTTAWA— The federal Liberal government showed more solidarity with Canada’s First Nations on Friday as it lifted sanctions against communities that have not complied with a Conservative spending transparency law.
The decision was quickly condemned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which warned that the move would leave First Nations people in the dark about how their elected leaders spend public money.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said her department will stop imposing punitive measures, such as withholding funds, on those communities not in compliance with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
Bennett, who described the changes as part of Ottawa’s new “nation-to-nation” relationship with indigenous peoples, also said she’s suspending court actions against those First Nations not complying with the law. “Transparency and accountability are paramount to any govern- ment, whether it is municipal, provincial, federal or First Nation,” she said in a statement.
“We will work in full partnership with First Nations leadership and organizations on the way forward to improve accountability and trans- parency. This cannot be achieved without the engagement of First Nations and its members.”
Under the act, First Nations are required to publicly disclose audited financial statements and information about the salaries and expenses of chiefs and councillors.
Those failing to do so by July 29 of last year faced escalating consequences ranging from public shaming to court action.
One community, the Onion Lake Cree Nation on the Alberta-Sas- katchewan border, took the government to court, unsuccessfully trying to convince the Conservatives to talk with First Nations about their finances.
Bennett said she’s hopeful that lifting sanctions will open the door to talks with indigenous communities and help both levels of government to work together.
“These initial steps will enable us to engage in discussions on transparency and accountability that are based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership and that build towards a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples.”
Aaron Wudrick, the CTF’s director, said the move makes no sense.
“A law without consequence for non-compliance is a toothless law,” he said.
“As such, soon many First Nations people across the country will again be in the dark as to how their elected leaders spend public dollars.”
Wudrick noted that the vast majority of First Nations were in compliance with the law both last year and in fiscal 2014-15.
“Suspending enforcement of this law is wrong and completely undermines the very principles this government claims to be advancing.”