Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation risked losing some federal funding last week after the band failed to post its audited financial statements online.
PBCN, which includes Amisk Lake, Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake, among other reserves, was among 52 First Nations across Canada that missed last week’s deadline to comply with a new federal transparency law.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt has said bands that violate the law could see non-essential and new funding withheld, multiple media sources report.
The Reminder attempted to reach members of the PBCN band council for comment, but none were available.
Compliance
As of late last week, over 90 per cent of First Nations in Canada had complied with the law, known as the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
Across Saskatchewan, 10 First Nations failed to meet the deadline. In Manitoba, 15 First Nations were in violation, including bands in Norway House and Nelson House.
The Harper government says the law ensures on-reserve Canadians have easy access to the remuneration and expenses of chiefs and councillors, and First Nations’ audited financial statements.
