moved for leave to introduce Bill C-575, An Act respecting the accountability and enhanced financial transparency of elected officials of First Nations communities.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise this morning to highlight the importance of this act. I thank the hon. member from Red Deer for his strong support on this matter.
The first nations financial transparency act is important for all first nations members across the country. It is important for all chiefs, councillors and all taxpayers. This act is about increasing the transparency and accountability of public tax dollars flowing to first nations. It will make public the salary and expenses received by chiefs and councillors in first nations communities. Currently this information is not publicly available.
This disclosure is already a reality for other elected officials in Canada and we believe first nations elected officials should be held to the same high standard. We trust first nations leaders will welcome this act as an important tool in helping deliver transparency and accountability to their constituents.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)