OTTAWA -- In another show of solidarity with Canada's Aboriginal Peoples, the federal Liberal government is lifting sanctions against communities that fell out of step with a spending transparency law enacted by its Conservative predecessor.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says her department will stop imposing punitive measures -- such as withholding funds -- on those communities not in compliance with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
Bennett, who describes the changes as part of Ottawa's new "nation-to-nation" relationship with indigenous peoples, also says she's suspending court actions against First Nations not complying with the law.
Under it, First Nations are required to publicly disclose audited financial statements and information about the salaries and expenses of chiefs and councillors.
Those failing to do so by July 29 of last year faced escalating consequences ranging from public shaming to court action.
One community, the Onion Lake Cree Nation on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, took the government to court, unsuccessfully trying to convince the Conservatives to talk with First Nations about their finances.
Bennett says she's hopeful that lifting sanctions will open the door to talks with indigenous communities and help establish a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship.
