Posted on 24 November 2008
Ottawa, November 24, 2008
As a beneficiary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, Senator Watt is outraged by the constant attempts of the Makivik executive to justify their hefty bonuses, as being normal and the industry standard.
“We can’t let this fester any longer. We all need to have a special meeting about this affair at the same time, in the same place. The purpose of this meeting should be to force the resignation of the executives if they have not already resigned by that time. This is the right thing to do.”
Senator Watt also says, “we can’t clear the air unless we all have the same information. Otherwise, if the executive travel to each community, it will be nothing more than a campaign trip. Holding a special meeting is the responsible thing to do.”
He also believes the costs of this meeting should be covered by Makivik Corporation.
Senator Watt’s concerns are:
-The bonuses were excessive and unjustified
-All Makivik leaders are paid a fair salary for their work, and many of the Makivik leaders are collecting salaries from each of the subsidiaries they work for
-Makivik was established “to relieve poverty and to promote the welfare and the advancement of education of the Inuit.”
-Profits made by Makivik and the subsidiaries are to support the needs of the community.
-The bonuses could have been used to support the youth in education and to help eliminate crowded homes and to fund programs for the well-being of Inuit people
-Suicide is a huge problem that needs immediate attention, and this money could have gone a long way to help break the cycle.
Senator Charlie Watt is also concerned by the lack of transparency and accountability of Makivik leaders to their people. Makivik was created to be used as an instrument on behalf of its membership. “The leaders should always be accountable to the people, not the other way around.”
Senator Watt says, “we need the time to do a serious job investigating this because First Air is one of many Makivik subsidiaries and maybe this is not the only instance of inappropriate bonuses. We have a serious job to do because we need to protect our businesses and assets. This is our inheritance, and the inheritance of our children.”
This affair has other negative outcomes. In the last session of Parliament Senator Watt presented bill S-214 to eliminate the GST, and to increase the Northern allowance for Nunavik because of the high cost of living. Under the current situation, he says it is difficult to negotiate programs and services for Inuit people because a small number are taking the benefit from everyone, “The collective assets have become the piggy bank to a few. We can’t allow this to continue.” He says.
Senator Watt is also concerned about the impact this scandal is having on the credibility of Makivik owned firms, and wonders how the profitability of these companies will be affected. From a corporate point of view he worries that reputable companies will be reluctant to deal with Makivik owned businesses. He also says “The first Nations are complaining that our people have brought shame to the aboriginal community in this country.”
As he listens to the voices of Inuit across Canada, Senator Watt says, “This crisis has provided an opportunity for us to reflect on our Inuit values” and he encourages those who took the money to give it back to the company. He also hopes that a special emergency meeting will clear the air with the beneficiaries if it is done soon. He believes this is a mild approach and a much harder line could be taken.
Senator Watt says, “In order for all of us to enjoy the holiday season with our family and neighbours, it is important to give thought to this situation followed up with positive and conclusive action.”
-30-
For information:
Mr. Jean Roberge
Office of Senator Charlie Watt
613-992-2981
roberj@sen.parl.gc.ca