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FIRST NATIONS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BOARD MOVES FORWARD

Ottawa, Ontario (October 31, 2006) - Canada's New Government announced today the Governor-in-Council appointment of Harold Calla as the Chairperson of the First Nations Financial Management Board.

Mr. Calla will lead one of the four First Nation institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA). The institutions are designed to provide First Nations with the practical tools available to other levels of government for modern fiscal management. These institutions will enable First Nations that choose to use their services to participate more actively in the Canadian economy. The Act received Royal Assent on March 23, 2005 and came into force on April 1, 2006.

"This appointment is the first step forward in the institutions' goal of addressing the fiscal gap between First Nations and the rest of Canada," said Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. "Mr. Calla is a respected leader with the first-hand knowledge and experience needed to lead this institution."

The Financial Management Board has two primary functions. Firstly, it will certify financial management systems, practices and standards of First Nations that have chosen to borrow against their property tax revenues. Secondly, for all other First Nations, it will provide, on request, services relating to financial management, reporting and standards development.

Biographical details on Mr. Calla is attached below.

For more information, please contact:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations Unit
(819) 953-1160

Biography - Harold Calla, C.G.A., C.A.F.M.

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