VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today reacted to the introduction of new aboriginal legislation in the House of Commons by Minister of Indian Affairs, Robert Nault.

The CTF acknowledges the federal government's realization that current aboriginal legislation is in desperate need of change. "The proposed legislation announced today, simply scratches at the surface and does not address the substantive changes that need to occur. This proposed legislation merely props-up the existing Indian Act rather than abolishing the centuries old and oppressive Act," stated Tanis Fiss, director of the CTF's, Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change.

The federal government's proposed First Nations Governance Act will provide for improved financial and political accountability of native band councils. "As long as the Indian Act is in place, the federal government will be attempting to build accountability and better governance on a crumbling foundation. Given that band councils will continue to receive taxpayer's money, the financial records must be open to all Canadians for public scrutiny," added Fiss.

It is expected that Minister Nault will table the draft First Nations Financial Institutions Act on June 17, 2002. This proposed legislation is likely to create an independent commission that will grant approval over real property taxation laws on native reserves. Under the existing Indian Act non-natives living on reserves have no democratic right to participate in their local political community, even though they may pay property taxes to the local native band. "To avoid the perverse scenario of taxation without representation, residents of a reserve - regardless of ancestry - must be provided with a voice in their local elections," stated Fiss.

The Aboriginal Affairs House of Commons committee will be granted the authority to make substantive amendments to the legislation and will be holding cross-country public hearings this fall. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation plans to appear before the Commons committee.