Lethbridge City Council ratifies police chief appointment
Airdrie RCMP thank public for suspect ID
RCMP Airdrie City weekend report
Spruce Grove truck-jacker sought
Taylor Bremner sought by RCMP
Careless firearms use in La Crete
Hit and run to vehicle in Andrew
Attempted theft of horses near Willingdon
RCMP Grande Prairie weekend news summary
Armed robbery suspects nabbed near Mayerthorpe
Serious MVC in Yellowhead County
Law enforcement conference to explore mgmt of grow-ops
Fatal MVC in Calgary
Young offender in Edmonton charged with sexual assault
End of lockdown and search at Drumheller Institution
Update - The First Nations Financial Transparency Act
Pincher Creek RCMP media summary for the week of October 20 - 26, 2014
The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the noted period. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.
Total calls for service - 55
Assaults - 1
Break and Enter (residential) - 2
Mischief (vandalism) - 4
Theft of motor vehicle - 1
Theft over $5000 - 1
Theft under $5000 - 1
Impaired Driving - 1
Disturbing the Peace - 8
Driving complaints (general) - 2
MV Collisions - 8
Liquor offences - 3
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1
Assistance to General Public (general) - 1
Assistance to other agencies - 1
False Alarms - 1
911 calls (invalid) - 4
Animal calls - 5
Prisoners held – 14
Lethbridge City Council ratifies appointment of new police chief
Lethbridge Police Service
On October 27 Lethbridge City Council ratified the appointment of Robert A. (Rob) Davis as the new Chief of Police for the Lethbridge Regional Police Service.
Davis was unanimously chosen for the position by the nine-member Lethbridge Regional Police Commission, which provides civilian oversight to the police service. Davis has served as Chief of Police for the Dryden Police Service in Dryden, ON since 2011. His appointment in Lethbridge takes effect on Jan. 5, 2015 for a four-year term with a two-year renewal option.
“The police commission set out to find a new police chief who is a creative thinker, who is a strong leader and who has a proven track record in policing. Rob Davis has demonstrated excellence to us in each of those areas. He is passionate about public service and that came through loud and clear during the interview process,” said Alexander McKay, Commission Chairman. “We welcome him to our community, and we are confident he will be an excellent fit for our organization who will work well with the current executive leadership of the Lethbridge Regional Police Service.”
Council also ratified the appointment of Deputy Police Chief Colin Catonio as Interim Chief of Police from Nov. 1, 2014 to Jan. 4, 2015. Catonio is a 34-year veteran of the police service and has served as deputy chief since August 2013. His appointment as interim chief will take effect following the departure of current Chief of Police Tom McKenzie, who is retiring on Oct. 31 after 38 years with the police service.
“City Council appreciates the important and intensive work of the police commission and its selection committee in identifying and recommending a proven individual to lead the Lethbridge Regional Police Service,” said Mayor Chris Spearman. “One of Council’s mandates is to ensure a safe community, and we’re confident our new police chief will provide excellent leadership. We congratulate him and welcome him to our community.”
Davis began his policing career in 1990 as an Auxiliary Constable with the Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police in southern Ontario. In 1994, he joined the neighbouring Six Nations Police Service where he served from 1994-2011, starting as a constable and rising through the ranks to Inspector and Acting Deputy Chief. During that time, he also served on secondment to the RCMP in Ottawa from 2006-2009 and in Ontario’s far north with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service in 2005-2006. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from McMaster University and is a recipient of the prestigious Gimborn Award from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Police Association for his leadership in combating organized crime and aboriginal gangs.
“I am very excited and humbled to become a member of the team,” said Davis. “The Lethbridge Regional Police Service is recognized internationally for its excellence and innovation in public safety. I am eager to serve with the dedicated men and women of the police service, the commission, and the City who have worked hard to ensure a safe, healthy community and to make the police service a leader in our profession.”
The police commission launched its search for a new police chief in April 2014 with the assistance of Boyden Global Executive Search. Under Alberta’s Police Act, police commissions are responsible for appointing chiefs of police.
Airdrie RCMP thank public for suspect identification
A concerning incident in Spruce Grove has RCMP asking for the public's assistance.
Just after 11:00 pm on Friday, October 24th, a man was robbed at a Spruce Grove convenience store. As he pulled into the convenience store and parked, an unknown man came up to his truck and shone a flashlight into his eyes. The man identified himself as a police officer, and ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to the ground. From there, the suspect tied the driver's wrists together with Zip-Ties, and subsequently stole his wallet, cell phone, and Dodge Ram pickup.
The suspect was wearing a black hoodie with the hood pulled up. He did not produce a badge or any phoney police identification. The voice was that of an adult man, with no discernible accent. Given the darkness and how quickly the incident unfolded, no further descriptors are available.
The stolen pick-up truck was recovered the following morning in a rural area South of Spruce Grove.
Police continue to investigate this incident and encourage anyone with information to contact Spruce Grove/Stony Plain RCMP at 780-968-7200 or 780-962-2222. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and the identity of the caller will remain anonymous.
The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the noted period. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.
Total calls for service - 55
Assaults - 1
Break and Enter (residential) - 2
Mischief (vandalism) - 4
Theft of motor vehicle - 1
Theft over $5000 - 1
Theft under $5000 - 1
Impaired Driving - 1
Disturbing the Peace - 8
Driving complaints (general) - 2
MV Collisions - 8
Liquor offences - 3
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1
Assistance to General Public (general) - 1
Assistance to other agencies - 1
False Alarms - 1
911 calls (invalid) - 4
Animal calls - 5
Prisoners held – 14
Lethbridge City Council ratifies appointment of new police chief
Lethbridge Police Service
On October 27 Lethbridge City Council ratified the appointment of Robert A. (Rob) Davis as the new Chief of Police for the Lethbridge Regional Police Service.
Davis was unanimously chosen for the position by the nine-member Lethbridge Regional Police Commission, which provides civilian oversight to the police service. Davis has served as Chief of Police for the Dryden Police Service in Dryden, ON since 2011. His appointment in Lethbridge takes effect on Jan. 5, 2015 for a four-year term with a two-year renewal option.
“The police commission set out to find a new police chief who is a creative thinker, who is a strong leader and who has a proven track record in policing. Rob Davis has demonstrated excellence to us in each of those areas. He is passionate about public service and that came through loud and clear during the interview process,” said Alexander McKay, Commission Chairman. “We welcome him to our community, and we are confident he will be an excellent fit for our organization who will work well with the current executive leadership of the Lethbridge Regional Police Service.”
Council also ratified the appointment of Deputy Police Chief Colin Catonio as Interim Chief of Police from Nov. 1, 2014 to Jan. 4, 2015. Catonio is a 34-year veteran of the police service and has served as deputy chief since August 2013. His appointment as interim chief will take effect following the departure of current Chief of Police Tom McKenzie, who is retiring on Oct. 31 after 38 years with the police service.
“City Council appreciates the important and intensive work of the police commission and its selection committee in identifying and recommending a proven individual to lead the Lethbridge Regional Police Service,” said Mayor Chris Spearman. “One of Council’s mandates is to ensure a safe community, and we’re confident our new police chief will provide excellent leadership. We congratulate him and welcome him to our community.”
Davis began his policing career in 1990 as an Auxiliary Constable with the Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police in southern Ontario. In 1994, he joined the neighbouring Six Nations Police Service where he served from 1994-2011, starting as a constable and rising through the ranks to Inspector and Acting Deputy Chief. During that time, he also served on secondment to the RCMP in Ottawa from 2006-2009 and in Ontario’s far north with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service in 2005-2006. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from McMaster University and is a recipient of the prestigious Gimborn Award from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Police Association for his leadership in combating organized crime and aboriginal gangs.
“I am very excited and humbled to become a member of the team,” said Davis. “The Lethbridge Regional Police Service is recognized internationally for its excellence and innovation in public safety. I am eager to serve with the dedicated men and women of the police service, the commission, and the City who have worked hard to ensure a safe, healthy community and to make the police service a leader in our profession.”
The police commission launched its search for a new police chief in April 2014 with the assistance of Boyden Global Executive Search. Under Alberta’s Police Act, police commissions are responsible for appointing chiefs of police.
Airdrie RCMP thank public for suspect identification
Airdrie RCMP would like to thank the public for its assistance in identifying a suspect from a theft last month.
On September 1, 2014, at approximately 8:00 pm, a male entered a restaurant within the city of Airdrie. The male loitered in the restaurant, and when staff was unaware, proceeded behind the counter and removed an undisclosed amount of cash. The male then departed.
With assistance from the public, the male was identified as Derek BERNARD, 61, of Mayfield, PEI.
Through investigation and information from the public, Airdrie RCMP City members arrested and charged BERNARD with two counts of Theft Under $5000.00.
On September 1, 2014, at approximately 8:00 pm, a male entered a restaurant within the city of Airdrie. The male loitered in the restaurant, and when staff was unaware, proceeded behind the counter and removed an undisclosed amount of cash. The male then departed.
With assistance from the public, the male was identified as Derek BERNARD, 61, of Mayfield, PEI.
Through investigation and information from the public, Airdrie RCMP City members arrested and charged BERNARD with two counts of Theft Under $5000.00.
“Public safety is a partnership between the Community and the Police. We are thankful of having partners like the citizens of Airdrie to help keep our homes and businesses safe.” - Cst. Jason Curtis, Airdrie RCMP Media LiaisonRCMP Airdrie City weekend report
Between 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2014 and 7:00 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2014, Airdrie City RCMP received 69 calls for service. Some of the notable calls are reflected below. Calls were dispatched to RCMP as the following and do not reflect actual occurrence or clearance status.
3 Assaults
1 Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm
1 Break and Enter
1 Criminal Harassment
1 Driving while Disqualified
3 Fail to Stop or Remain at Accident Scene Complaints
1 Fraud Complaint
1 Impaired Care or Control of Motor Vehicle
3 Impaired Drivers
1 Mental Health Complaint
5 Mischief Complaints
1 Theft under $5000
1 Possession of Marihuana
1 Theft of Minivan
1 Theft under $5000 from a motor vehicle
2 Traffic Collisions
1 Uttering threats against a person
3 Assaults
1 Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm
1 Break and Enter
1 Criminal Harassment
1 Driving while Disqualified
3 Fail to Stop or Remain at Accident Scene Complaints
1 Fraud Complaint
1 Impaired Care or Control of Motor Vehicle
3 Impaired Drivers
1 Mental Health Complaint
5 Mischief Complaints
1 Theft under $5000
1 Possession of Marihuana
1 Theft of Minivan
1 Theft under $5000 from a motor vehicle
2 Traffic Collisions
1 Uttering threats against a person
Spruce Grove truck-jacker sought
Spruce Grove RCMP
Just after 11:00 pm on Friday, October 24th, a man was robbed at a Spruce Grove convenience store. As he pulled into the convenience store and parked, an unknown man came up to his truck and shone a flashlight into his eyes. The man identified himself as a police officer, and ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to the ground. From there, the suspect tied the driver's wrists together with Zip-Ties, and subsequently stole his wallet, cell phone, and Dodge Ram pickup.
The suspect was wearing a black hoodie with the hood pulled up. He did not produce a badge or any phoney police identification. The voice was that of an adult man, with no discernible accent. Given the darkness and how quickly the incident unfolded, no further descriptors are available.
The stolen pick-up truck was recovered the following morning in a rural area South of Spruce Grove.
Police continue to investigate this incident and encourage anyone with information to contact Spruce Grove/Stony Plain RCMP at 780-968-7200 or 780-962-2222. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and the identity of the caller will remain anonymous.
Rocky Mountain House RCMP is seeking information on the whereabouts of 21 year old Taylor BREMNER. On the 10th day of October, Rocky Mountain House RCMP attempted to stop a vehicle, operated by BREMNER. BREMNER fled from police.
BREMNER has been charged with Flight from Police, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of Motor Vehicle while Disqualified, and Fail to Comply with conditions of a recognizance.
Information on the whereabouts of Taylor BREMNER may be forwarded to Rocky Mountain House RCMP Detachment at 403-845-2882, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS).
Careless firearms use in La Crete
Fort Vermilion RCMP is investigating reports of possible shots fired in the area of 101 Avenue and 102 Avenue in La Crete Alberta. Sometime between the hours of 8:00 pm on October 23rd and 2:00 am on October 24th 2014 Fort Vermilion RCMP received multiple complaints that gunshots were heard. Another report was that it may have been fireworks. Neither report has been confirmed. There have been ongoing issues with firearms complaints in the developed and housing areas and this is a significant safety concern for the public. The RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying persons who may be involved in these ongoing issues in an effort to ensure the safety of the public.
Anyone that may have witnessed or has any information on this matter is asked to contact the Fort Vermilion RCMP at (780)927-3255 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Hit and run to vehicle in Andrew
Two Hills RCMP received a report that, on October 17, 2014, between the hours of 8:30 am and 11:30 am, a hit and run occurred in the Andrew School parking lot. A parked vehicle was found by its owner with a broken tail light and body damage where the vehicle was struck. No information was left by the other driver.
Two Hills RCMP are seeking the public's help with any information related to the Hit and Run. The public are encouraged to call immediately regarding any suspicious activity, especially in the overnight or early morning hours. If you have any information please contact the Two Hills RCMP Detachment at 780-657-2820 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
Attempted theft of horses near Willingdon
Two Hills RCMP
Attempted theft of horses near Willingdon
Two Hills RCMP
On October 26th, 2014, Two Hills RCMP received a complaint of an attempted theft of horses. Unknown persons had unsecured a gate to a pasture and attempted to steal horses from the property. A halter was left on scene and no horses were taken. The property was located on Township Road 562 near Willingdon. Residents in the area are urged to take precautions to protect or monitor their property and should be aware of this attempted theft.
Two Hills RCMP are seeking the public's help with any information related to the attempted theft. The public are encouraged to call immediately regarding any suspicious activity, especially in the overnight or early morning hours. If you have any information please contact the Two Hills RCMP Detachment at 780-657-2820 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com
Between 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2014 and 7:00 a.m. today, Monday, October 27, 2014, the Grande Prairie RCMP received 321 reports and/or calls for service. Of which included:
· 24 911 calls
· 4 Abandoned Vehicles
· 3 Animal complaints
· 7 Assaults
· 2 Breach of or Fail to comply with conditions
· 5 Break and Enter
· 7 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Complaints
· 23 Disturb the Peace
· 14 Other Moving Traffic Complaints
· 3 Other Non-Moving Traffic Complaints
· 3 Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident
· 22 False Alarms
· 4 Frauds
· 7 Impaired Drivers
· 4 Items Lost or Found
· 12 Gaming and Liquor Act Complaints
· 36 Mischief complaints
· 7 Municipal Bylaw complaints
· 10 Theft of Motor Vehicle complaints
· 11 Theft related complaints
· 3 Suspicious person, vehicle, or property
· 40 Traffic Collisions
· 37 Other (Criminal Code/Provincial Act/Municipal Bylaw)
· 23 Assist (General Public, Other Agencies, Other Police)
· 3 Utter Threats complaints
Whitecourt RCMP
RCMP arrested three individuals involved in an alleged armed robbery and pursuit. On Friday October 24, 2014, at approximately 3:00pm, RCMP received information from the Edmonton Police Service of a white Dodge truck that was involved in a recent armed robbery. RCMP located the suspect vehicle near Mayerthorpe, but the vehicle fled when police tried to stop it. Police initiated a pursuit but terminated it after a short distance. A perimeter was established and information received from members of the public led police to a rural property near the old Blue Ridge Highway.
The Whitecourt RCMP, with the assistance of the General Investigations Section, the Integrated Traffic Unit, the Police Dog Service, the Emergency Response Team, and Air Services located the three individuals, as well as the suspect vehicle, a quantity of cocaine and heroin, a loaded shotgun, and a replica firearm.
Christopher Warren Pollard, 32, of Clairmont faces the following charges:
RCMP arrested three individuals involved in an alleged armed robbery and pursuit. On Friday October 24, 2014, at approximately 3:00pm, RCMP received information from the Edmonton Police Service of a white Dodge truck that was involved in a recent armed robbery. RCMP located the suspect vehicle near Mayerthorpe, but the vehicle fled when police tried to stop it. Police initiated a pursuit but terminated it after a short distance. A perimeter was established and information received from members of the public led police to a rural property near the old Blue Ridge Highway.
The Whitecourt RCMP, with the assistance of the General Investigations Section, the Integrated Traffic Unit, the Police Dog Service, the Emergency Response Team, and Air Services located the three individuals, as well as the suspect vehicle, a quantity of cocaine and heroin, a loaded shotgun, and a replica firearm.
Christopher Warren Pollard, 32, of Clairmont faces the following charges:
- Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of a weapon for a Dangerous purpose
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking
- plus
- 6 additional charges from Edmonton, including robbery with a firearm, attempted kidnaping, and firearms offences
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of a weapon for a Dangerous purpose
- Watson also had 6 outstanding warrants for his arrest out of Grande Prairie
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a weapon for a Dangerous purpose
Serious MVC in Yellowhead County
Edson RCMP
The 20-year old female driver of the sport utility vehicle, a resident of Yellowhead County, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injury. She was transported from the scene to hospital in Edmonton by STARS. Edson RCMP have notified the woman's next of kin.
The two occupants of the picker truck were treated by EMS personnel for minor injuries and released at the scene.
The cause of the collision still remains under investigation.
ALERT
The community impacts of marihuana grow-ops are being discussed in Banff this week as law enforcement, government and private sector members from across Alberta come together to understand the evolving issue.
The “Evolution and Management of Marihuana Grow-ops” conference runs October 28-30 and provides a forum to outline marihuana legislation, analyze how communities have responded, and explore best practices. The conference is hosted in partnership between Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), Calgary Police Service, and City of Calgary Building Regulations.
“The safety, security and protection of Albertans is our priority and we are committed to addressing the health and safety risks grow-ops pose to our communities,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister Justice and Solicitor General.
“When the Stop Marihuana Grow-op coalition was launched a decade ago, it was critical insight that is not just a policing problem, but a community problem. The issue has never been more complex and serious than it is today and we must leverage every single resource we can to protect the safety of our communities,” said City of Calgary Councillor and ALERT Board of Directors member Diane Colley-Urquhart.
“ALERT dismantled nearly 100 grow-ops last year, but we know the issue is bigger than that. This conference is an important component of law enforcement’s response to grow-ops and demonstrates a commitment from all our partner agencies to work together,” said ALERT Supt. Charmaine Bulger.
The conference’s keynote speaker is Sgt. Jim Gerhardt, a metro Denver drug agent who will explore the implications of Colorado marihuana legalization. Other panel experts include members of law enforcement, municipalities, private sector growers, and the medical community.
Calgary Police Service
On October 26, 2014 at approximately 5:38 am a Blue 2004 Jeep was travelling southbound on Deerfoot Trail approaching the off ramp for Southbound Bow Bottom Trail and Eastbound Anderson Road. This area of Deerfoot Southbound has a natural bend where the travel lanes turn from a primarily southbound direction to a more South-Easterly one. Shortly after passing the designated exit and continuing on Southbound Deerfoot, the vehicle left the roadway to the right and entered the ditch separating Deerfoot Trail from the off ramp. A short time after entering the ditch, the vehicle struck a light standard; upon striking the light standard the vehicle became engulfed in flames. Calgary Fire Department attended and extinguished the fire at which time it was found that the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was deceased within the vehicle.
At this time, there is no identification of the deceased; further information will be released at the direction of the Medical Investigator.
It is unknown whether speed or alcohol were factors in this collision.
Any witnesses to the accident or the events leading up to it are asked to contact the Traffic Section at 403-567-4000
Young offender in Edmonton charged with sexual assault
Police looking for more witnesses
The Edmonton Police Service is asking for witnesses for an aggravated sexual assault that occurred in south east Edmonton this weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 just before 4:30 p.m., police received a call of a badly injured adult female in Mill Woods Park in the area of 23 Avenue and 66 Street near the pond. The reporter remained on scene until police and EMS arrived. The 36-year-old woman was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries where she remains in critical but stable condition.
After subsequent investigations, the 17-year-old male who called police was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, possession of a weapon and breach of recognizance (x3). The identity of this male will not be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“We are asking for witnesses who were in the area on Saturday between 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.” says Det. Dave Pelech with Sexual Assault Section. “Although you may think what you saw is insignificant, it could possibly assist with the investigation.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm
End of lockdown and search at Drumheller Institution
Correctional Service Canada
The lockdown put in place at Drumheller Institution on October 20, 2014 has ended and an exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations.
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.
Visits to the institution have resumed.
Update - The First Nations Financial Transparency Act
End of lockdown and search at Drumheller Institution
Correctional Service Canada
The lockdown put in place at Drumheller Institution on October 20, 2014 has ended and an exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations.
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.
Visits to the institution have resumed.
Update - The First Nations Financial Transparency Act
Government of Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today on the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
“Our Government firmly believes that First Nations, like all Canadians, deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders. That is why we passed the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA) and empowered community members to be informed of their community's financial situation.
With the First Nations Financial Transparency Act now in place, First Nation members in 451 of the 582 First Nations covered by the law have access to the basic information they require and deserve about how their Chiefs and councils spend money for which they are responsible.
The Act applies the same principles of transparency and accountability to First Nations governments that already exist for other governments in Canada.
Empowering First Nations through legislation such as the FNFTA is a priority for our Government. So far, over 77 percent have complied.
Those First Nation band councils who have so far failed to comply with the law have received several reminders and are expected to comply by November 26, 2014.
Let me be clear. Our Government will take action, according to the provisions of the law, with regard to First Nation governments that do not follow the law. These measures include court orders, withholding of non-essential funding and withholding of new funding.
I urge band leadership who have not filed their financial documents to do so by November 26, 2014.”
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today on the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
“Our Government firmly believes that First Nations, like all Canadians, deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders. That is why we passed the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA) and empowered community members to be informed of their community's financial situation.
With the First Nations Financial Transparency Act now in place, First Nation members in 451 of the 582 First Nations covered by the law have access to the basic information they require and deserve about how their Chiefs and councils spend money for which they are responsible.
The Act applies the same principles of transparency and accountability to First Nations governments that already exist for other governments in Canada.
Empowering First Nations through legislation such as the FNFTA is a priority for our Government. So far, over 77 percent have complied.
Those First Nation band councils who have so far failed to comply with the law have received several reminders and are expected to comply by November 26, 2014.
Let me be clear. Our Government will take action, according to the provisions of the law, with regard to First Nation governments that do not follow the law. These measures include court orders, withholding of non-essential funding and withholding of new funding.
I urge band leadership who have not filed their financial documents to do so by November 26, 2014.”
Related links:
First Nations Financial Transparency Act
Frequently Asked Questions: First Nations Financial Transparency Act
First Nations Profiles: Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses
Reducing the Administrative Burden on First Nations
Questions and Answers Related to the First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA)
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