First Nations must play by same rules of transparency and accountability as other governments – Fraser Institute
May 26, 2026
Financial transparency is essential in any government to insure both honesty and efficiency in operation. To judge whether or not to support a government, voters must be able to learn how their money is spent.
This can be a challenge for First Nations whose more than 630 governments spread across the country are difficult to review. Parliament tried to enhance the financial transparency and accountability of these governments by passing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, 2013, which required annual publication of audited financial statements including information about how much the chief and members of council are paid.
Compliance was initially high, although there was some opposition among First Nations on grounds that there had not been enough consultation. Before the 2015 federal election, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau promised not to enforce the Act (the enforcement mechanisms specified by the Act are discretionary). Because of non-enforcement, compliance with the Act has steadily declined, dropping to only 41 per cent for the latest fiscal year.
