The Editor,
Re: "Tories need a tragedy before they act," Editorial, Dec. 14.
I take exception to your editorial on the Attawapiskat reserve situation. The band has received $34 million of taxpayer's money each year over at least the past three years. They have the equivalent of three mayors and 19 councillors, all very well paid, as evidenced by their financial books, to govern just 2,000 people.
They pay a social worker $66,000 a year. The band leaders prioritize an ice arena and a $75,000 Zamboni over adequate accommodation for their members. Construction of a school was started but had to be torn down because of soil contamination.
Debeers Mining, who operates a mine nine kilometres from the reserve and employs some of its members, has sent modular, all-weather housing in past years to help out. The thanks they received was to have the mine road blockaded because the gesture was deemed inadequate.
I agree that the existing system is not working and requires change, but I feel that the Canadian taxpayer is, once again, being abused.
It will be interesting to see what the present audit will reveal. I suspect this is just the tip of the iceberg.
L.B. Black Richmond
