Province defends reserve political salaries

The government of Nova Scotiais defending the salaries of elected officials in First Nation communities.

"The majority of elected officials in First Nation communities within Atlantic Canada are being paid reasonable salaries and are committed to making lives better for their communities," said Jacqueline Van Amburg with the office of Aboriginal Affairs.

On Monday, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation released data showing that in 2008, 222 aboriginal chiefs across Canada earned more than their provincial premiers and 82 made more than the prime minister.

The report singled out First Nations chiefs and councillors in Atlantic Canada, including one councillor who earned $978,000, tax-free. The chief on that reserve earned about $250,000 and two other councillors took home more than $200,000.

Glooscap First Nations Chief Shirley Clarke talked to reporters on Tuesday. "The documents provide an inaccurate perception that we are unjustly overpaid,"

Clarke refused to say whether Glooscap is that reserve.

She said the federation's report is misleading because it does not provide a breakdown of what the compensation covers.

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.

The report only identified reserves by population and federal funding.

"The document numbers do not provide the necessary details breaking down the figures, including reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs," Clarke said. "We do not receive vehicle allowances, pensions, benefits, insurance or dry-cleaning reimbursements."

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.

"It is important that First Nation community members know the full amount of compensation that is being paid to their political representatives," said Amburg.