PoliticCanada: Opposition: Govt wants to examine books re its expenditures

-
-
-
iPolitics (November 23,2k11)
-
-

Bill to open First Nation’s books
‘paternalistic,’ say opposition

NDP aboriginal affairs Critic Linda Duncan.

Posted on Wed, Nov 23, 2011, 7:25 pm by Emily Senger

NDP aboriginal affairs Critic Linda Duncan.

A bill tabled today that will force First Nations chiefs and councilors to disclose their salaries, expenses and financial statements is already drawing fire from opposition members who are calling the legislation paternalistic and unnecessary.

Conservative MP Peter Penashue tabled “An Act to enhance the financial accountability and transparency of First Nations” in the House of Commons Wednesday, which requires First Nations to post their salaries and expenses for chiefs and councillors, consolidated financial statements and auditors’ reports on the internet within 120 days of the end of the financial year.

NDP aboriginal affairs Critic Linda Duncan

The act also requires a First Nation to provide copies 

of these documents to any of its members who request it.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan, speaking from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation outside of Saskatoon, said the bill would affect about 580 nations, making accounting information that is already required by the federal government public and accessible.