Skip to content

Feds Pass First Nations Financial Transparency Act

Pipestone Flyer

Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, is more than encouraged with the passing of The First Nations Financial Transparency Act which received Royal Assent on March 27, 2013.

    “Our government has responded to First Nations communities.” said MP Calkins.  “These new measures will help deliver a more effective and accountable leadership for our First Nations communities.”

    The Government of Canada believes First Nations, as do all Canadians, deserve accountability and transparency from their elected officials.

    Currently, First Nations governments operating under the Indian Act are the only level of government in Canada that are not obligated to make basic financial information public.

    This Act will ensure that community members have the access they need to the basic financial information such as audited financial statements, and the salaries and expenses of chief and council. 

    In addition to passing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act we are providing $241 Million to help First Nations youth in Alberta and across Canada access the skills and training they need to participate in the large economic projects, like those found in the resource sector. Additionally, we are providing $10 million to grant scholarships and bursaries through Indspire to help First Nations and Inuit students in Alberta and across Canada attend Post Secondary institution. 

    Our Government remains focused on our four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country and their personal financial security.