National Chief of Assembly of First Nations challenges Parliament to engage in real issues
A Communiqué from National Chief Shawn A–in–chut Atleo October 2010
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is embarking on a strategic and forward looking agenda. I believe this is our time, a time for Indigenous peoples to come together in recognition and respect to lead the change that is required for our people. I am pleased to provide the following update on recent activities.
Accountability and Transparency – AFN Executive Salaries
The AFN believes strongly in the accountability relationship between citizens and their governments. We also believe in transparency from the national office which is why we share the salaries of the AFN Executive Council annually in a published financial report and audit.
As disclosed earlier this year in the AFN July 2010 audited financial statements and reports to INAC, I received remuneration of $136,500 for the last fiscal year. As a point of reference, the salary of the Prime Minister of Canada is $317,000; Ministers receive an annual salary of $228,000; and every Member of Parliament receives $157,000 per year.
Strong First Nation Governments
The majority of First Nations still operating under the requirements of the Indian Act and contribution agreements have a reporting relationship between First Nations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The Auditor General has pointed out that every First Nation files hundreds of reports annually most of which are never read or even tracked by INAC. First Nations salaries are already disclosed through audited statements to the Department. Despite this, Bill C-575, as introduced by Member of Parliament Kelly Block (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), would impose even more reporting requirements on First Nations. In fact, I’ve heard from a number of community members in the last few weeks that adding further reporting requirements would only hinder productivity at the community level which is already stretched thin given lack of capacity.
Again I fully support a strong accountability relationship between citizens and their governments and this is why I am further disclosing my salary to all First Nations. A private members bill out of Ottawa is not what is needed. What is needed is support for First Nations governments and recognition of First Nations authority. Further, we need an approach that will move accountability forward in meaningful ways including ensuring stable and fair funding practices between Canada and First Nations ensuring equity and fairness. These together will increase responsibility and the capacity to deliver good government, effective services and hope for our people.
There are great examples of First Nation communities which, after re-building their governments through self-government or through ISO certification, are fulfilling all responsibilities of governing and demonstrate a level of service that is yielding real results. We need to work together to further this progress and continue efforts to ensure all First Nations are supported in ways that they can deliver effective services and supports to their people.
In 2005 and 2006, the AFN and the Government of Canada agreed to jointly explore new approaches to accountability to lead to better results for First Nations. This work was grounded in our Nations’ priorities and mirrored the principles of accountability that guide the Auditor General: clear roles and responsibilities; clear performance expectations; balanced expectations and capacities; credible reporting; and reasonable review and adjustment. Canada’s involvement in this work ended in 2006 with no explanation.
The AFN is holding a planning and dialogue forum November 8th and 9th in Montreal, QC to explore models and tools of building effective governments including delivering on all aspects of accountability. I encourage leadership and membership to join the conversation.
The AFN and First Nations across Canada are putting forward ideas and action plans to deal with our shared priority issues. Let's use this opportunity to kick start a discussion that will deal with the real issues to better ensure that First Nations can be accountable to their people and the government can be accountable to First Nations for its spending and results. Together we can and must chart a path that begins with respect, settles and upholds long outstanding obligations of the federal government, and moves forward to build strong First Nation governments.
Kleco, Kleco!
For more information on the November planning and discussion forum, please visit www.afn.ca.