REGINA, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted to calls from Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus to apologize for its key role in the development of the landmark transparency legislation, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, by suggesting that an apology should instead come from leaders who are wasting money on legal fights to block transparency. Erasmus’ release is available here.

“No Canadian should have to beg their leaders for basic information such as the amount their politicians are getting paid or how public money was spent. It is only thanks to the First Nations Financial Transparency Act that Canadians living on reserve finally have these basic rights like other Canadians,” said CTF Prairie Director Todd MacKay. “We will never apologize for working with people from First Nation communities who are standing up for their rights.”

After unearthing financial abuses in her own community, Phyllis Sutherland, from Peguis First Nation, led the charge with the CTF to have the federal government pass the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. The act requires all First Nations to publish basic financial information such as the salary and benefits provided to chief and council as well as the band’s audited financial statements – information that is readily available in every other Canadian community. The vast majority of First Nations are complying. However, unlike other public bodies, people living on reserve still have no right to file freedom of information requests for reserve government information.

“It’s unconscionable that First Nations leaders would waste scarce band dollars fighting to keep basic financial information secret from their own citizens,” continued MacKay. “If anyone ought to apologize, it’s these politicians.”

The First Nations Financial Transparency Act is a key issue in the current federal election. Justin Trudeau has suggested he will scrap the legislation if elected. Thomas Mulcair voted against the bill, however the NDP has been silent on whether they’d repeal it.

“Now that we’ve seen the legislation in action, we’re hopeful Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Mulcair will commit to keep it in place,” said MacKay. “It’s frankly unimaginable that any national leader would take basic accountability away from some Canadians just because they live in a First Nations community.”