A former minister of health within the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan is going to jail for his role in defrauding MACSI.
Albert Delaire was sentenced late yesterday afternoon to one year in the Saskatoon Correctional Centre to be followed by one year probation.
When delivering his sentence, Justice Gerald Albright said he would normally impose a sentence of one-and-a-half to two years but gave Delaire credit for pleading guilty, and also noted Delaire has serious health issues such as heart problems and diabetes.
In its submission, the Crown alleged Delaire defrauded the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan of nearly $400,000 — an amount Delaire disputes, saying he only personally saw between $40,000 and $50,000.
Co-crown prosecutor Robin Ritter says this is a very serious case of fraud.
In his sentence, the judge said he was very concerned that the victims in this case were faceless people who should have been able to benefit from life-changing programming.
He also pointed to Delaire’s criminal record with previous fraud convictions, saying he saw a serious pattern.
The judge did not issue a restitution order, deferring that to the civil courts if MACSI should decide to pursue that avenue.
Last year, Delaire’s co-accused in this case, Henry Cummings, also pled guilty for his role in defrauding MACSI and received a one-year conditional sentence.