Allegations and Complaints

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) takes allegations and complaints regarding the misuse of public funds very seriously. To that end, AANDC has put a process in place to ensure these allegations and complaints are examined properly and that appropriate action is taken.

Allegations may include, for example, the misuse or misappropriation of AANDC funds, fraud, collusion or gross mismanagement. If criminal activity is involved, the matter would be referred to the appropriate policing authority. Complaints differ from allegations in that they involve actions or inactions which are potentially non-criminal in nature. These may include a First Nations member on-reserve who cannot obtain funding for house repairs or for post-secondary education and who believes the process was unfair.

AANDC receives allegations and complaints by phone, mail (including email) or in person. The allegation or complaint can be from any source including First Nations members, Métis and Inuit, elected officials, members of the public or media. Allegations or complaints can be made directly to the department’s Assessment and Investigation Services Branch at headquarters, to one of the department’s regional offices, or to the Minister's Office. In each case, the department takes the appropriate measures to protect the privacy of those involved.

When making an allegation or complaint the information provided becomes a departmental record subject to release under the provisions of the Access to Information Act  and/or of the Privacy Act . While every effort is made to maintain confidentiality of personal information, names may have to be provided in support of a criminal investigation by police authorities. If you believe that you have clear evidence of criminal wrongdoing the information should be provided directly to the appropriate police service.

To assist in its planning and coordination responsibilities, the Department collects statistics on the number and nature of allegations and complaints.

• Policy on Dealing with Allegations and Complaints

Additional Information

For more information:
Assessment and Investigation Services Branch
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
10 Wellington Street, room M02
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4
CNAP-NACC@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca

Tel.: (819) 953-7012
Fax: (819) 997-8312