SUMMARY

The purpose of Part 1 of this enactment is to establish the office of First Nations Ombudsman to assist persons dealing with a First Nation or one First Nation dealing with another or between First Nations and the Government of Canada, if they consider that they are being dealt with unfairly or unreasonably or with unreasonable delay. The Ombudsman may investigate complaints and report to the Minister on complaints that are not satisfactorily resolved.

The Ombudsman may propose changes to be made in a First Nation's administrative policies and practices. If a First Nation fails to change its policies and practices at the suggestion of the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman shall make a report to the Minister and the report must then be laid before Parliament.

Part 2 provides for an official from the office of the Auditor General of Canada to be appointed as First Nations Auditor to carry out audits of First Nations communities that are insolvent or where impropriety in financial management is alleged.

The Auditor may propose changes in a First Nations financial management practices and may make reports in the same manner as the Ombudsman.