Corruption is rampant on reserves in Canada. In Manitoba, reserve residents routinely call the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's office and describe the complete lack of transparency when it comes to how much their chiefs are earning, details on band 'business ventures', information on hydro contracts and a whole host of other matters.

Given how little transparency there is on reserves right now, it truly is a wonder why our provincial government would make it even harder for residents to gain information on reserve activities.

Yes, that's right, even though reserves are largely a federal matter, a bill before the provincial legislature proposes to put up walls between band residents and information they may seek from Manitoba Hydro, provincial departments and agencies.

Unfortunately for those that advocate for more transparency in government, the proposed change to the province's freedom of information legislation came out of left field and took everyone by surprise. There was absolutely no consultation on the proposed changes and no heads up was given when Bill 31 was tabled last spring.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the Provincial Council of Women, the Mothers of Red Nations and concerned band members met with the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Sport to discuss the matter.

We learned that the provincial government's intent is to extend the same arrangement to band councils that other municipalities currently receive. In other words, when people seek information from a contract between the City of Winnipeg and the provincial government, the province can refuse to release details as it is a 'private matter that involves two governments'.

Some will consider it honourable that the provincial government is trying to treat band councils like other governments. However, in reality, access to information processes are basically non-existent on most reserves in Canada. While it is relatively easy to file an information request and find out how much your city or town's mayor earns, the same process does not exist on reserves.

If band members can't even find out how much their chief and council have decided to pay themselves, why make it harder for them to find out details on million dollar contracts with the provincial government

The demand in recent years has been to bring walls down between government information and citizens who seek it. In fact, other sections of Bill 31 commendably propose to reduce the secrecy period for cabinet documents from 30 to 20 years. Another recent initiative was the decision by the provincial government to post cabinet ministers' travel expenses online. Those are both good steps in the right direction.

Unfortunately, the clauses in Bill 31 that make it harder for all citizens to gain insight into reserve activities takes a step backward.

Citizens, no matter what their ethnic background, should be able to find out how the government is spending tax dollars. It's our money, we have a right to know.

Mr. Doer, do the right thing and tear down this wall. Repeal the clauses in Bill 31 that prevent all Manitobans from uncovering information involving the provincial government and aboriginal communities.