Road to Bankruptcy Paved with Tax Dollars
VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) data showing the total amount of cumulative native band deficits has increased by 182% over the last nine years. The INAC data was obtained using the Access to Information Act.
Cumulative native band deficit increase of 182%
"Since 1992-93 the cumulative deficit of native bands has increased from $132 million to $373 million in 2000-01. This is an increase of 182%," stated Tanis Fiss, director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change.
Number of native bands in deficit increase by 21%
Of the 630 bands in Canada almost 30% are in financial difficulty and operating in a deficit. In 1992-93 there were 155 bands in deficit; by 2000-01 there were 188. "The number of native bands in deficit has increased by 21% in nine years. Clearly the federal government needs to address the lack of funding accountability for native bands," added Fiss.
CTF calls for greater accountability
Over the past nine years total federal government spending on Indian programs has increased by 64% to more than $7 billion annually. According to the Auditor General, 80% of this funding is transferred directly to native bands. "Despite the massive increases in the financial resources being given to native bands in Canada, the financial situation of an increasing number of native bands is worsening. To ensure the money is being properly and efficiently spent, taxpayers and native Canadians need a system of independent annual financial and operational audits of native bands. This is similar to how federal and provincial auditors conduct their audits of government departments and programs," concluded Fiss. \\\\
Cumulative native band deficit increase of 182%
"Since 1992-93 the cumulative deficit of native bands has increased from $132 million to $373 million in 2000-01. This is an increase of 182%," stated Tanis Fiss, director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change.
Number of native bands in deficit increase by 21%
Of the 630 bands in Canada almost 30% are in financial difficulty and operating in a deficit. In 1992-93 there were 155 bands in deficit; by 2000-01 there were 188. "The number of native bands in deficit has increased by 21% in nine years. Clearly the federal government needs to address the lack of funding accountability for native bands," added Fiss.
CTF calls for greater accountability
Over the past nine years total federal government spending on Indian programs has increased by 64% to more than $7 billion annually. According to the Auditor General, 80% of this funding is transferred directly to native bands. "Despite the massive increases in the financial resources being given to native bands in Canada, the financial situation of an increasing number of native bands is worsening. To ensure the money is being properly and efficiently spent, taxpayers and native Canadians need a system of independent annual financial and operational audits of native bands. This is similar to how federal and provincial auditors conduct their audits of government departments and programs," concluded Fiss. \\\\