According to statistics Canada, from 1996 to 2006, the Aboriginal population grew by 45 per cent, while the non-Aboriginal population grew by 8 per cent.
The federal government disperses 8 billion a year to First Nations bands across Canada. Chief and council members earn more than $110,000 a year tax free. There appears to be a huge gap between the riches chief and council enjoy and the poverty experienced by other members living on reserve.
Who is paying for all this? The tax payers of Canada is who. No wonder the amount we pay in taxes continue to climb.
With the Aboriginal population growing by 37 per cent over the non-Aboriginal population, how can this continue?
It's time to make the Aboriginal population accountable for the money they receive and to promote a fair system for all Canadians.
Jessica Dickson
Prince George
