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Morriseau disagrees with new federal First Nation Transparency Act

THUNDER BAY -- The chief of Fort William First Nation does not agree with new federal transparency legislation, though they have been publishing their financial records for the past six years.

THUNDER BAY -- The chief of Fort William First Nation does not agree with new federal transparency legislation, though they have been publishing their financial records for the past six years.

The federal government’s First Nation Transparency Act took effect earlier this week and across the country hundreds of band councils have yet to become compliant with the act, which requires posting financial information such as salaries online.

Georjann Morriseau said the Fort William First Nation has been publicly disclosing such information since 2008, though she disagrees with the act.

“I don’t think it’s necessary the federal government imposes this legislation to ensure First Nations are accountable, especially if they’re being held to a higher level of accountability than the government itself,” Morriseau told TBT News Friday.

“In that aspect I don’t agree with it. I think First Nations have built necessary capacities over the course of many, many years to be able to financially manage themselves appropriately.”

Individual First Nations should be accountable to their members and community members as a whole and chiefs and councils, along with activities, should be accessible to the people, she added.




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