FSIN Takes Exception to CTF Report

FSIN Takes Exception to CTF Report

Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 10:25

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is fighting back against a recent report released by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

FSIN Vice-Chief Morley Watson defends First Nations leaders and says the research is grossly misleading.

The CTF report says 82 First Nations politicians were paid more than the Prime Minister, 222 leaders made more than their respective premiers, and that more than 700 received an income of more than $100,000 off reserve in 2008/2009.

Watson says chiefs and councillors often go above and beyond the call of duty, noting when there is an accident on reserve, chief and council are the first people called, whereas a premier has an abundance of staff and agencies to respond to those situations.

Watson also says the research ignored the vast majority of elected officials who are underpaid: he says in this province, 22.5% of First Nations leaders make less than $25,000 a year, 33% make less than $40,000 a year, and only 7.1 per cent make more than $100,000.