Three First Nations Added to Fiscal Management Act

Summary#

The Order Amending the Schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (SOR/2025-22) adds three 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 February 12, 2025 and was published in the Canada Gazette on February 26, 2025.

What it does#

• Adds these First Nations to the schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act:
  • Aamjiwnaang (Ontario)
  • Acho Dene Koe First Nation (Northwest Territories)
  • Ojibway Nation of Saugeen (Ontario)
• Lets those First Nations — if their governments choose to do so — access services available under the Act, including:
  • setting up a property tax system under the Act and using those revenues for community projects;
  • seeking certification for financial performance and financial management systems;
  • applying to join a First Nations bond financing regime to borrow against revenue streams.
• The addition was made at the request of each band council and became effective on February 12, 2025.

Who's affected#

• Members and residents of Aamjiwnaang, Acho Dene Koe First Nation, and Ojibway Nation of Saugeen are the most directly affected.
• The national institutions that help implement the Act may work more closely with these communities: the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nations Financial Management Board.
• Local contractors, lenders, and investors could notice changes later if a community chooses to raise revenue or borrow under the Act. It is optional — nothing changes unless a First Nation decides to use the tools.

Why it matters#

• Joining the schedule gives these communities optional tools to raise revenue and to access capital markets. That can help pay for local infrastructure, services, or economic development projects without relying only on federal transfers.
• It also gives access to formal financial-management certification, which can make it easier to borrow or attract investment.
• According to the government filing, adding names to the schedule has no immediate cost to the federal government and no new consultation or environmental issues were identified for this specific Order.