The First Nations bands challenging the federal government’s First Nations Financial Transparency Act argued in Saskatoon court Wednesday that disclosure of their business earnings would hurt them and help their competitors.
One after another, lawyers for the bands made similar arguments all agreeing the Federal Court needs to grant a stay of proceedings against an order that compels them to post their business information on the Internet.
The lawyer for the Onion Lake Cree Nation, Robert Hladun, told court his client is prepared to file the information with the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs provided it’s kept confidential.
“We’ve always provided our consolidated financial information, it’s been unqualified. DIAND acknowledges that we are a very low risk, very good reputation for producing. We produce expenses and salaries for all councillors all that information has been provided,” Hladun told reporters outside of court.
“The only difference now is we don’t want to get it published it is private.”
The lawyers for the federal government will make their arguments Thursday morning.