MP Kelly Block's reserve transparency bill passes House of Commons goes to committee

Disclose Reserve Politicians' Pay Campaign

TORONTO, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is very pleased that bill C-575, MP Kelly Block’s private members bill has been passed by the House of Commons and will be reviewed at committee. Earlier this week, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation delivered over 3,000 signatures on petitions demanding this bill be passed. (Photo: CTF Federal Director Derek Fildebrandt presents petitions to MP Kelly Block supporting transparency for Native Politicians' pay).

While Mr. Layton and Mr. Duceppe opposed this legislation, Mr. Ignatieff allowed a free vote for his MPs, enough of whom joined Conservative MPs, voting for transparency and passing this bill through second reading 151 to 128.

CTF Federal Director Kevin Gaudet said, "this is an important step towards transparency that was demanded by grassroots aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians alike. All MPs who supported the bill deserve credit, especially Kelly Block."

“Keeping this spending hidden would have ignored calls from rank and file aboriginal people and would choose the interests of their leaders over them,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “Politicians’ pay is public for municipal, provincial and federal politicians. Yet, it is too often kept secret on reserves.”

“We look forward to presenting at committee and pushing for the bill to pass the next reading,” concluded Gaudet.

Kelly Block tabled her bill in response to numerous cases where the CTF helped band members blow the whistle on sky-high politicians’ salaries.

The CTF has committed to continue to help band members push for greater accountability and transparency on reserves through www.ReserveTransparency.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Gaudet, Federal Director @ 416-203-0030

Colin Craig, Prairie Director @ 204-227-5561