The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor A federal bill to force First Nations band councillors and chiefs to publicly disclose their salaries has passed second reading despite opposition from Flin Flon MP Niki Ashton. Bill C-575, The First Nations Financial Transparency Act, last week had the support of the Conservatives, including Creighton MP Rob Clarke, and several opposition MPs. It carried 151-128. Ashton could not be reached for comment, but Pat Martin, a fellow NDP MP from Manitoba, told the QMI Agency that the bill assumes "First Nations are corrupt" and must be watched by "Big Brother." "We have no right to impose how First Nations use their resources," he added. First Nations must presently report spending to Ottawa, but unlike non-First Nations communities, the figures are not released to the public. Bill C-575 is a private member's bill introduced by Kelly Block, a Conservative MP from Saskatchewan. 'Important' Speaking in parliament, Block said the bill relates to "a serious and important issue." "The men and women of First Nations reserves across Canada have the right to know what their elected officials are receiving from their bands' bank accounts," she said, "just like we all know what other elected officials at the federal, provincial and municipal levels are earning." "By establishing a clear, consistent standard for the financial disclosure of salaries and reimbursement of expenses of elected officials, we will enable citizens to make informed decisions. "First Nations citizens deserve to know what their leaders receive in salaries and benefits." If the bill is to become law, it must still pass a third reading in the House of Commons and receive approval from the Senate.
