MPs earn over $500,000 if the same math used to determine First Nation salaries
NOTE: The number of staff, offices, travel and resources used to support a single MP is totally out of proportion with what First Nation leaders are able to access. One news item a few months ago, documented that it costs taxpayers over $30 million a year to pay for Stephen Harper's security detail alone. The attacks on First Nations and their leaders is just another effort to divert the attention of the public to the real issues and abuses that are happening across Canada. Similar public relations efforts have been successfully employed throughout history by fascists and right wing elements who are protecting their own comfortable existence.
First Nations chiefs, people, continue to work on accountability
By Shawn A-in-chut Atleo - November 29, 2010
Re: "Numbers that cry for change," Opinion, Nov. 26.
The excerpt from a Montreal Gazette editorial smears every one of the 3,300 chiefs and councillors who struggle daily on behalf of our people.
The attack on the Assembly of First Nations is ill-informed.
The AFN has led the battle for transparency, accountability and strengthening the skills and capacity of First Nation governments.
The AFN created the "Accountability for Results" initiative and was working with the Auditor General, Treasury Board and Indian Affairs on a better approach to accountability. This initiative was making real progress but was terminated, with no explanation, by this government. It should be reinstated.
Those few chiefs who do not respect the standards we are fighting for will be dealt with by their people.
But the phoney math used by our critics is disingenuous at best, deceitful at worst. A Member of Parliament would be surprised to learn they make nearly half a million dollars if we took the same approach.
Journal readers deserve more than uncritical repetition of such nonsense.
We want to give power and accountability back to our people. The private member bill the editorial hails removes it in favour of strengthening the Department of Indian Affairs.
This is your idea of progress, of accountability?
We continue to work on accountability and expect Ottawa to work with us.
National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Assembly of First Nations