In 2004 the Liberal government of Paul Martin has forged a framework that will serve as a guideline in going forward for the aspirations of the first peoples of Canada. This was the Kelowna Accord, however when the Conservative Party took over the helm of the government they dropped the accord substituting nothing.
Until now some First Nations lacks basic necessities such as water treatment and wastewater facilities, housing etc. It is very hard to qualify for government funding and assistance, since most programs are so complicated that the First Nations has to hire a consultant and a lot of times a big portion goes to the consultant without benefiting the First Nation.
This year the Conservative government shoved another nail to the First Nations by passing Bill C-27, the Transparency Act, whereby all First Nations has to publish salaries of Chief and Council in their websites. This is unfair for the First Nations for the following reasons:
- Some First Nations dont have websites. Some communities dont have even internet access,
- Already most First Nations submits its annual Audited Financial Reports to the community during their Annual General Assembly.
- The Chief and Council is already transparent to its membership. Any member has access to reports including IBA's, Economic Development programs , governance etc.
It seems the Conservative Party is just using the First Nations of Canada as a scapegoat in its shortcomings in their own transparency.
