First Nation takes federal government to court over transparency law

OTTAWA - The federal government is being taken to court over a law that requires First Nations to make public their financial information.

The Onion Lake Cree Nation, which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, filed a statement of claim today in the Edmonton offices of the Federal Court.

Chief Wallace Fox says Onion Lake has the support of other First Nations.

The Conservative government's First Nations Financial Transparency Act required First Nations to post audited financial statements and information about the salaries and expenses of chiefs and councillors on a public website by July 29.

Aboriginal Affairs wrote to some First Nations recently to tell them they have until the end of the day today to publish their financial information online.

The department says First Nations that fail to do so face consequences ranging from a public shaming to possible court action.