On Monday May 3, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation launched www.ReserveTransparency.ca - a new site to help educate people living on reserves about their right to see their band's financial information and instructions on how to apply for it.

The idea for the site came after many discussions with band members who have had great difficulty in finding out what's going on with their band's finances. Once the site was ready for launch, the CTF invited several band members who had contacted us about transparency problems in their communities to attend the press conference.

One of the individuals who attended was Mr. Albert Taylor, an 83-year old member of the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation which is located west of Brandon, Manitoba. On the morning of the press conference, Mr. Taylor noted in passing that he drove to Winnipeg the night before and spent the night in his car. He later mentioned that elders in his community pooled some funds together to provide him with enough gas money for the trip.

Albert mentioned that having a chance to speak out was so important to him as he had many many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who he wanted a better life for.

Our hat goes off to you Mr. Taylor. We are so pleased you could join us. Hopefully your efforts pay off.