First Nations political salaries alarm watchdog

First Nations chiefs and councillors in Atlantic Canada are earning more than the premiers in their provinces, and one earned almost $1 million, tax-free, in 2008, according to a report released Monday by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Colin Craig, a researcher for the federation, said 31 First Nationspoliticians earned more than the premiersof their provinces.

The information came from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and was released through federal access to information laws.

"We're not sure what province it is, but there is a politician there who made about $978,000, tax-free," Craig said."That's the equivalent of about $1.8 million for someone off reserve." The information doesn't indicate whether this person holds more than one position.

The reserve in question is in the Maritimes and also saw the chief earn $243,000 andtwo councillors earn more than $200,000.

The data released by the federation identifies the reserves only by population, and the reserve with the highest income earner has a population of 304.

Nova Scotia's office of aboriginal affairs lists the Glooscap reserve outside of Hantsport as having a population of 304.

Indian and Northern Affairs did not respond to a CBC News request to identify the reserve, andthe Glooscap band did not return messages. Two other reserves in Nova Scotia have similar populations.

Call for greater transparency

The taxpayers federation said greater transparency is needed, including posting salaries online.

"It's supposed to be to help the people there, grassroots people, not to get scooped up by politicians at the top," Craig said.

On Eskasoni, Nova Scotia's largest reserve, one band councillor, Alison Bernard,is campaigning to cut salaries. He said some councillors are paid as elected officials while getting salaries forotherjobs on the Cape Breton reserve.

Bernard said councillor and chief salaries have been cut in recent years on Eskasoni, where he is running for chief.

"Chief used to get paid $140,000, and $30,000 a year in travel, which is about $170,000. When I cut it in a motion, it brought it down to $70,000 and $15,000 in travel budgets. That's what it is today."

The federal government said salaries are set by individual reserves and the remunerationshouldnot be disclosed to the public at large.

The issue came up in the House of Commons on Monday as Conservative MP Kelly Block introduced a private member's bill that would force First Nations leaders to reveal their salaries and other income and benefits.