By David Kirton

Morley Watson calls for First Nations auditor general

Nov 25, 2011 | 3:39 PM

The interim chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) hopes the federal government takes a close look at how much of its funding of First Nations is actually making it to the reserves.

Morley Watson is calling for a First Nations auditor general to keep an eye on that.

“For every dollar that leaves Ottawa intended for First Nations communities, by the time it gets to the First Nation community, we would like of course Miss (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar MP Kelly) Block and the government to say what actually reaches the community.”

Watson is reacting to the government's plan to introduce a bill forcing transparency on the salaries of First Nations chiefs and councils.

The First Nations Financial Transparency Act was introduced by the Harper government on Wednesday at the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

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Minister John Duncan explained Wednesday that the act would mean that First Nation reports on audited, consolidated financial statements including salary and expenses will be available to all community members through public posting on a website.

“This gives First Nation community members the same information as all other Canadians with their local, provincial and federal governments,” said Duncan.

The act builds upon a bill MP Block put forward in the last session of parliament, and if passed would introduce real penalties if First Nations don't comply.

“The minister could withhold the funding that a First Nation receives from their grants and contributions agreement,” said Block.

Watson says the FSIN welcomes the bill but maintains the vast majority of chiefs and councils already post their salaries.

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