Seven First Nations Added to Fiscal Act

Summary#

The Order Amending the Schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act adds seven First Nations to the list of communities that can use services under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The order took effect when it was registered on July 23, 2025.

What it does#

• Adds these First Nations to the schedule: Algonquins of Barriere Lake, Glen Vowell, Liidlii Kue First Nation, Piikani Nation, Qualicum First Nation, Spuzzum, and Tl’etinqox Government.
• Lets those First Nations choose to use tools and services available under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, including:
  • setting up a property tax system under the Act and using those revenues for community projects;
  • seeking certification of financial management and financial performance systems;
  • applying to access a First Nations bond financing regime to borrow against their revenue streams.
• The change was made at the request of each band council. It becomes effective on the registration date (July 23, 2025).

Who's affected#

• The seven First Nations named above: Algonquins of Barriere Lake, Glen Vowell, Liidlii Kue First Nation, Piikani Nation, Qualicum First Nation, Spuzzum, and Tl’etinqox Government.
• National institutions that support the regime: the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nations Financial Management Board.
• Local residents, property owners, small businesses, and community governments in those First Nations if their governments decide to implement property taxes or pursue financing.
• It is up to each First Nation government to decide whether and when to use the Act’s tools, so immediate effects will vary.

Why it matters#

• Joining the schedule gives these First Nations new tools to raise local revenue, improve financial governance, and access larger-scale borrowing for infrastructure and development.
• If a First Nation chooses to implement a property tax, homeowners and businesses on reserve could see new local taxes but also new locally funded projects or services.
• The order is a requested, voluntary step by the band councils. According to the government’s analysis, adding names to the schedule itself has no direct cost to the federal government.