Manitoba Hydro has spent $39 million on "negotiations," with two Manitoba Cree Nations that will hold a referendum on a dam project later this month.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released the information Friday.
A spokesperson says they filed an access to information request after receiving allegations of misspending.
"Hydro development such as this project should be a great story for aboriginal communities" stated CTF-director, Colin Craig. "Unfortunately, the CTF has received allegations of misspending during the planning stage of this project. Hopefully the expense details will be released to the public so that everyone can see how these funds were used."
A referendum is scheduled for Jan. 29 on the Tataskweyak Cree Nation and War Lake, for a proposal from Manitoba Hydro to build the Keeyask dam project on their lands.
The CTF wants the federal department of Indian and Northern Affairs to ensure transparency in the process.
With a report from CTV's Kelly Dehn
