APTN National News
OTTAWA – The federal government will no longer go after communities that have not complied with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act says Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.
“Today, I directed my department to cease all discretionary compliance measures related to the First Nations Financial Transparency Act and to reinstate funding withheld from First Nations under these measures,” said Bennett in a statement Friday.
The controversial act, brought in by the former Conservative government, forced First Nation communities to submit all financial records annually. Several First Nations didn’t comply and the government took them to court.
All court actions were suspended Friday, as well.
“In keeping with our commitment to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship, the Government of Canada will suspend any court actions against First Nations who have not complied with the Act,” said Bennett.
Bennett is currently reviewing the law with Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.
“These initial steps will enable us to engage in discussions on transparency and accountability that are based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership and that build towards a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples,” she said.
I would give each F.N.’s a million dollars and tell them not to come back for more.
Must be nice for a group of individuals across Canada. FIRST Nation leaders non stop making excuses for not being straight forward about resources .And are Government having no backbone to deal with it .As a canada extremely sad how we have to be act but special interest groups don’t a spin less prime minister end Mr johnsen regina sask
Must be nice to be a racist. Majority of first nations did comply and the rest are from very remote areas like far up north were they have no clue on how to set up a website then you cut their funding. so who are they going to pay to make their Web page and few are crooks but on the other hand a few weeks after this was passed the harper goverment hand their own scandle with money embezzling. It was a big racist propaganda tactic to draw bad attenion on the brownies