Fiscal mismanagement at the Acadia First Nation is being alleged by aboriginal protesters. They picketed yesterday outside the band office in Yarmouth. They claim thousands of dollars in salary advances have been paid to some band Councillors and staff, but haven't been re-paid. One protester has alleged Chief Deborah Robinson hauled in more than a million dollars since 2010 in salary and travel reimbursements. The chief says that figure is a puzzler and she doubts the amount quoted is really accurate.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has lobbied the federal government for accountability legislation for all politicians and its now being made the law. CTF spokesman Kevin Lacey says the salaries of many band chiefs and councilors are huge!
Acadia First Nation Chief Deborah Robinson says her salary is now 130-thousand dollars a year and another 20 thousand for travel. She says all band councilors and herself are audited regularly and nothing unusual's been found.
