Ex-AFN Employee, Benedict, Highlights Significance of ‘First Nations Accountability Act’

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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A former employee of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Michael Benedict, has recently commented that it would have been “impossible” to get information on how First Nation reserves spend money without the First Nations Accountability Act.

A tax specialist and member of the Odanak First Nation, Benedict, revealed to have had first-hand experience with the problems pertaining to scrutiny of First Nations’ leadership, especially in financial matters. He mentioned that “it’s not difficult for First Nations’ to get information on how their money is spent,” adding that “it’s impossible and these financial problems are due to lack of financial responsibility and accountability on reserve.” The First Nations Accountability Act makes it obligatory for all chiefs and band council to post financial information online. One such financial information unveiled through the act was the astonishingly high salary of Kwikwetlem Chief, Ron Giesbrecht, who earned $914, 219 in 2013 plus $16,574 in expenses.

However, on the other hand, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau still maintains his opposition of the bill. Mr. Trudeau admitted during an interview over the weekend that the salary was fairly high and that it wouldn’t have been known without the bill. Although, he still vowed to scrap the bill if he were prime minister, alleging that “I wouldn’t keep the legislation in place.” Trudeau stressed that “I would work with First Nations to make sure that a proper accountability act that would have disclosed any excesses we see, but is done in a way that is respectful of the First Nation communities.”