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News release |
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Communiqué |
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Inky Mark, MP |
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Dauphin-Swan River |
December 19, 2001
Ottawa—The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs says that his department has no legal obligation to cover any third party debt incurred by any First Nation faction and that every business in Canada should be aware of this and deal with band members accordingly.
Inky Mark, MP for Dauphin-Swan River reacted with disbelief when he heard the statements given during a televised meeting of the Standing Committee of Indian and Northern Affairs.
“On one hand Minister Nault said that in Manitoba alone there are 11 cases of bands being referred to third-party management as appointed by the federal government. His department is responsible for getting these bands out of bankruptcy. On the other hand, he warned businesses to be careful how they dealt with aboriginals as neither the Government of Canada nor his department “have legal obligation to third parties… and every single business enterprise across the country should be aware of that if they are not”. What kind of message is this Minister trying to send – both to the aboriginal community and to the private sector?” Mark asked.
During the course of a two-hour televised committee meeting, Nault admitted that there are more than 90 bands across Canada which are currently under third-party management in order to keep the bands from financial ruin. He went on to explain that if debts owed by a band, or an individual band member were in fact not the responsibility of the Crown, but rather the person or group who entered into the agreement for services. Mark says that is shortsighted.
“First the Minister says that those owed money by a band or band member have a legal route to recover their losses although he knows federal legislation prohibits anyone suing a band or any member of a band who’s income is derived in any way from a band. Then the Minister warns people on how they deal with band members that suggests to the private sector to deal in cash only because aboriginal communities cannot be held accountable to pay their debts. The Minister’s contradictions only enforce existing strains between aboriginal communities and the private sector without helping anyone. The Minister cannot avoid responsibility by misleading Canadians or passing the buck to the third party management of bands facing economic challenges,” Mark concluded.
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