The Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation has reiterated support for the efforts of a First Nations activist seeking transparency from Onion Lake Cree Nation.
Charmaine Stick, a member of the First Nation, had joined with the organization in a successful court application to force Onion Lake Cree Nation to comply with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which requires online publication of salaries and expenses to the chief and council, as well as financial statements.
On June 15, Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench ordered the band to publish the information within 30 days. But Onion Lake has appealed, much to the disappointment of the CTF.
“We were hoping Charmaine would get the answers she deserves from leaders at Onion Lake Cree Nation, but if they’re going to fight transparency by appealing the ruling, we’ll continue to support Charmaine’s courageous stand and we’re confident we’re going to win in the end,” said Todd MacKay, prairie director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, in a news release.
“We’ll vigorously defend this decision upon appeal on behalf of Charmaine and grassroots people in First Nations communities across Canada.”
In the CTF news release, Stick also expressed her disappointment, using the words “a bad joke” to describe the band’s appeal in a statement.
“Why are they spending thousands of dollars on legal bills to appeal a court decision in favour of transparency?” said Stick. “Grassroots people are demanding transparency and we’ll continue the struggle until we all know what’s happening with the money in First Nations communities.”
