Media Release

Canadian Cities See Modest Gains in Financial Transparency, But Regional Gaps Persist

Canadian Cities See Modest Gains in Financial Transparency, But Regional Gaps Persist

Winnipeg, MB – June 5, 2025 – The Frontier Centre for Public Policy has released the eighth edition of its Local Government Performance Index (LGPI), authored by Research Fellow Lee Harding. The report evaluates the transparency and quality of financial reporting among 99 of Canada’s largest municipalities based on 2023 data, highlighting continued progress in public accountability but significant discrepancies across regions.

The Transparency Index (TI) component of the LGPI scores cities out of a possible 33 points, assessing how accessible and comprehensive their financial statements are. Criteria include audit timeliness, commentary on expenditures, historical data, capital asset reporting, and adherence to best accounting practices.

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