If you're fed up with the fact that many reserve politicians are able to keep band financial information hidden from the public, then you've come to the right place!

This web site was set up to:

* Provide all Canadians with information on what they can do about the lack of transparency on reserves
* Inform band members as to their legal right to band financial information
* Provide band members with information on how they can apply for audit & salary information (current federal information laws do not require bands to disclose band audit details to non-band members)

Scroll down to find out more! 

Q: What are My Rights?

A: Currently, band members have the right to get copies of band audit documentation, including chief and council pay information. If you are not a member of a band, the federal government will not provide it to you. It is up to individual bands if they wish to disclose it to you or not.

However, thanks to the efforts of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), and the many band members and taxpayers across Canada who have spoken out, the federal government has tabled Bill C-27. If passed, it will place annual band audit documents, including chief and council pay information, on the internet for all to see. We are hoping it will pass and be brought into force sometime in 2012.

Q: What About Those Stories in the News About Band Pay?

A: Several band members have leaked chief and council pay information and other audit documentation to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and to media outlets (See below for details.)

Further, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation requested and received chief and council pay information for every reserve in Canada. However, the data did not include names as the federal government believes it does not have the authority to release such information under current privacy laws (hence the law before parliament to change that.)

The data the CTF received had some information in it that allowed people to figure out which numbers corresponded with which bands. For example, a report from Atlantic Canada was able to figure out the Glooscap Reserve's (Nova Scotia) pay figures from the list as he matched up the population figures.

Q: How Can I Get My Band Council's Pay Information?

A: The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs clearly says on its web site that band members have the legal right to get copies of their chief and council's pay information.

The CTF was told by the federal government that if your chief and council refuse to release this information, band members can get it by emailing the National Allegations and Complaints Coordinator.

Send an email to the National Allegations and Complaints Coordinator - CNAP-NACC@ainc-inac.gc.ca - and copy our office - bandinforequest@taxpayer.com. If you don't receive the information, we'll try and help you raise a stink.

Don't know what to ask for? Click here to view a sample request.

Those looking for 2008-09 data can find nation-wide figures by clicking here.

How to Get Other Audit Information

According to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs' web site, band members have the right to audits and other financial information. You can get it by asking your local Department of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Office.

To contact your regional Aboriginal and Northern Affairs office, click here. To contact the federal government's National Allegations and Complaints office for fraud and other complaints, click here.

What All Canadians Can Do to Push for Improved Transparency

It's important for band members and Canadians to speak about the need for transparency on reserves. Urge your MP to get Bill C-27 moving along and other measures to improve transparency on reserves. 

Click here to find your Member of Parliament contact information.