Court orders Onion Lake Cree Nation to publish finances
A resident of Onion Lake Cree Nation and the Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation (CTF) are heralding a victory after a decision from a Saskatoon court Friday.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice B.A. Barrington-Foote is ordering the First Nation to begin reporting their basic financial information in accordance with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA).
“Surprise, surprise. If you’re spending the community’s money, you’ve got to tell them what you’re doing with that money,” said CTF Prairie Director Todd MacKay, who was on-hand for the decision.
The ruling gives Onion Lake 30 days to begin complying with the federal act, which includes disclosing tribal council and chief expenditures and salaries.