Third world society in a first world country. And what is the most prominent feature of third world countries? Rampant corruption.
CBC
Anger and outrage are being expressed on a small Manitoba First Nation community over the salaries and benefits paid to the community’s elected leaders.
Documents provided to CBC News by the advocacy group the Canadian Taxpayers Federation show that the chief and four councillors of the Peguis First Nation were paid between $206,000 and $310,000 each last year.
The community is home to about 7,200 people and is located about 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
The documents, which were part of a review of the council’s finances, were prepared by accounting firm BDO Dunwoody in Winnipeg.
They show that in 2008-09, Chief Glenn Hudson earned $206,381.
In the documents, accountants say that figure includes:
- $124,830 in salary.
- $32,151 in travel expenses.
- $1,200 in honorarium payments.
- $48,200 for “other remuneration.”
Coun. Glennis Sutherland earned $310,731, broken down as:
- $127,310 in salary.
- $58,984 in travel expenses.
- $124,437 in “other remuneration.”
The documents do not explain what qualifies to be paid out as “other remuneration,” but spokesperson Colin Craig of the taxpayer group said Sunday that it’s likely the amount reflects extra payments for the politicians to attend meetings and other duties.
