PBCN Leaders Under Fire Over Tax Rebate

PBCN Leaders Under Fire Over Tax Rebate

Wednesday, July 07, 2004 at 12:58

A former band councillor from Pelican Narrows is calling on his chief and council to announce what they’re going to do about a recent court settlement with the provincial government.

Graham Linklater says nearly 3 million dollars was collected by the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation from the province for taxes it charged residents on purchases of fuel and tobacco.

While a councillor with the band has publicly stated a meeting on the issue will be held next Monday, Linklater says he’s heard nothing about where or when it will be.

He also says he’s worried the band council will spend the money on projects of its own choosing, rather than returning it to the grass-roots membership.

Linklater claims legal documents in the settlement clearly state the money should go back to the community, not just the First Nation.

Peter Ballantyne chief Ron Michel was not immediately available for comment.