Treasury Board President willing to amend access to information bill in response to First Nation concerns – CBC

New rules could make getting information more onerous for First Nations, says researchers

Oct 19, 2017

Canada’s treasury board president says he is open to amending a proposed bill to modernize federal access to information laws over First Nations’ concerns it could be used to block the settling of historic claims.

Dozens of First Nations and tribal councils, from British Columbia to Quebec, have raised concerns over proposed changes, said Scott Brison.

Those include “grave concerns” from a group of researchers called the National Claims Research Directors — sent to Brison and other Liberal ministers Monday — saying more stringent requirements could add obstacles to First Nations seeking redress for historical grievances against Canada over lost land and mishandled funds.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/treasury-board-access-information-first-nations-1.4361587