Mr. Speaker, would you be so kind as to call Notice of Motion for the Production of Papers No. P-39 in the name of the hon. member for Skeena.
Motion P-39
That an Order of the House do issue copies of the most recent band audits at all reserves in Canada that showed a deficit or an accumulated debt on their last band audit.
Motion No. P-39 is an order of the House to issue copies of the most recent band audits at all reserves in Canada that showed a deficit or an accumulated debt on their last band audit.
The financial statements of first nations and their organizations are mandatorily protected by paragraph 20(1)(b) of the Access to Information Act. Portions are mandatorily protected under subsection 19(1) which protects personal information. In addition, a federal court decision of June 27, 1985 judged that information regarding Indian moneys was confidential and not subject to release by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
First nations are required to make their audited financial statements available to members of their community. Officials of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development cannot release the audited financial statements because of the third party nature of the audit.
Individuals interested in reviewing a first nation's audit can contact the chief and council to request it. It is up to the chief and council whether they wish to disclose audits to non-band members.
I therefore request that the hon. member withdraw his motion.