Tom Flanagan: First Nations must be as clear and accountable as other governments – Financial Post

May 22, 2026

An amended or even new financial transparency act may be needed. First Nations should step up to take part in writing it

Financial transparency is essential in any government to ensure 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. In 2013, Parliament tried to enhance the financial transparency and accountability of these governments by passing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which required annual publication of audited financial statements, including information about how much the chief and members of council are paid.