FSIN Chief No Fan Of Tory Brand Of Accountability

FSIN Chief No Fan Of Tory Brand Of Accountability

Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 13:27

The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations feels the Conservative government is going about its accountability reforms for First Nations the wrong way.

Alphonse Bird says Saskatchewan First Nations are all for accountability, but they want to be a partner in the process — not have the terms dictated to them.

Under proposed legislation introduced in the House of Commons this week, the Tories plan to give more power to the Auditor General to examine the books of First Nations to make sure taxpayers are getting bang for their buck.

Bird believes the real solution is to create an independent First Nations Auditor General, with the help of First Nations.

He feels it would be useful the next time a First Nations institution comes under public scrutiny, like when the First Nations University of Canada and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority made headlines.

Bird also says a First Nations Auditor General would be able to develop meaningful benchmarks for First Nations communities.