Full Presentation

REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change, appeared today before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs as the committee stopped in Regina as part of its national consultation process regarding the First Nations Governance Act.

The Centre's director, Tanis Fiss, testified this morning before the committee and outlined the main recommendations in the Centre's submission.

Fiss encouraged the Committee to re-allocate the funding currently transferred to Native band councils to individual natives. "The money necessary for Native governments could then be taxed back by the local Native government. This process will empower individual Natives and improve accountability on reserves," stated Fiss.

"In addition, an Ombudsman for Aboriginal Affairs must be established to ensure redress for allegations of mismanagement in Native band councils and the Department of Indian Affairs," continued Fiss.

The final recommendation is to expand the mandate of the Auditor General to include Native band councils. Fiss testified, "To ensure consistency with the audits, expansion of the current Auditor General's mandate must include Native bands for true accountability and transparency to occur."

Before concluding her testimony Fiss urged the Committee to work towards eliminating the Indian Act. "I would like to encourage the Committee to press for continued amendments to the Indian Act that will lead to the eventual elimination of the Indian Act," concluded Fiss.