Members of First Nations across Canada are now one step closer to enhanced accountability and transparency from their elected officials.
Bill C-575, a Private Member’s Bill by my Conservative colleague Kelly Block to improve financial accountability on reserves, recently passed second reading in Parliament. If implemented, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act would create legislation to disclose the salaries and benefits that are paid to chiefs and councillors who are subject to the Indian Act.
First Nations governments are responsible for determining their compensation and this bill does not change that. The act will require First Nations leaders to join other politicians in Canada who publicly disclose their salaries.
To be clear, many of the country’s chiefs and band councillors are committed to meaningful accountability standards. This bill will bring deserved recognition to those reserve politicians who are dedicated to transparency in their management of band resources, while giving First Nations citizens an important tool to make informed choices in regards to their elected officials.
First Nations citizens deserve to know what their leadership receives in salaries and benefits and how all funds intended for their support and services are being used.
It is disappointing that most Opposition members in Parliament appear not to believe in accountability for politicians on reserves. Only a handful of Liberal members voted with our Government to improve financial accountability on First Nations reserves.
By voting against the bill, most Opposition members have said ‘No’ to better transparency for reserve residents.
Our government believes First Nations citizens deserve the same right as other Canadians to expect transparency and accountability from their local governments. It is my hope that Opposition members will reconsider their stance and help us to extend those rights to citizens on reserves when this bill returns to Parliament for a final vote.
