Politicians at all levels are forced to disclose their salaries for all to see.
Now, a new piece of legislation will ensure First Nations leaders will have to do the same.
Tk'emlups Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson said he has no problem with disclosing his salary, but he questioned the federal government's priorities.
He said the government should be focused on addressing First Nations issues like education, child welfare and the justice system.
"Economic development is the name of our game and we need the federal government to get on board with us, not worry about what the hell a chief or a council member is making," Gottfriedson told KTW.
The federal government recently introduced Bill C-27, which will compel chiefs and band councils to disclose salaries and expense information online for the public to view.
Gottfriedson said the government should audit Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada with respect to the amount of money that actually makes its way to First Nations communities once it goes through the bureaucracy.
"The bottom line is we're really underfunded and we do a lot things with less funding from the federal government in the way we run our operations," he said.
The issue gained attention nationally after a report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation suggested dozens of chiefs are making more than the average salary of a provincial premier, including one chief who is paid an annual wage of nearly $1 million.
Gottfriedson has noted his annual salary as chief is $58,000.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said her government felt First Nations leaders should have the same level of transparency as every other politician in the country.
"These are the expectations of any level of government," she said.
"I believe many First Nations communities are asking for that same transparency from their government."
McLeod noted the system or reporting will be much like the one MPs have been using for the last two years, which involves posting audited statements, but not every receipt.
In response to Gottfriedson's concerns about Ottawa's priorities, McLeod countered Bill C-27 is just one piece of legislation and government can deal with several issues at the same time.
– Kamloops This Week
