First Nations leaders’ salaries defended

Nishnawbe Aski Nation chiefs do not receive the high salaries reported in a recent report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
“I never hear a concern regarding a NAN chief,” said Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “The chiefs in NAN territory are very conscious about accountability and transparency so that is why they always direct NAN to publish our audit on an annual basis.”
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation report alleges 82 First Nations politicians were paid more than the prime minister, 222 First Nations leaders were paid more than their respective premiers and more than 700 received an income over $100,000 off reserve in 2008/2009.
Beardy said most of the chiefs in NAN territory place the people first before themselves.
“They’ll make sure somebody else gets a new house before they do,” Beardy said.
Beardy also noted that federal and provincial leaders receive plenty of other benefits besides their paycheque.
“The premier, and I imagine the prime minister, get body guards, limos, residences subsidized and meals subsidized,” Beardy said. “I know on Parliament Hill, the meals are heavily subsidized.”
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Morley Watson said the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s recent report is misleading, noting the report compares First Nation leaders’ salary and travel expenses to the prime minister’s salary alone without including other benefits such as pensions.
“It’s an unfair assumption,” Watson said. “To us what is jaw dropping is that our chief and councils can serve for years in their community and do not receive benefits/pensions once their term has expired. Unlike, MP’s (Members of Parliament) and MLA’s (Members of Legislative Assemblies) who receive lifetime benefits for their services.”
Watson said First Nation leaders often go above and beyond the call of duty for their citizens.
“For example, when there’s an accident or fire in a First Nations community, the first people to be called are the chief and the councils,” Watson said. “When an accident occurs within the province, the premier and his MLA’s have an abundance of staff and agencies to respond to these types of situations.”