Archived - Investigation of Allegations at the Cowessess First Nation
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Date: 2012
PDF Version (257 Kb, 5 Pages)
Name: Cowessess First Nation Band
Population: 856 on reserve; 4,077 total registered
Location: Saskatchewan
Current Chief: Edward Aisaican
Time period covered by investigation: April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011
Background
- The Assessment and Investigation Services Branch of the Department received various allegations from members of the Cowessess First Nation.
- The following allegations were investigated:
- the installation of a computer tower and computer infrastructure which was apparently above the market cost, with certain band members personally benefitting from the exaggerated costs;
- the potential misappropriation of economic development programs;
- the inconsistent payment of social assistance cheques.
Findings
The Cowessess First Nation adjusts on an annual basis, when deemed necessary, the Allowance for Doubtful Receivables and the Allowance for Due From Controlled Business Entities accounts based on Band management's estimate of the collectability of these amounts from its debtors including Band members and Band-owned entities.
| Fiscal Year | Fiscal Year (1) | Cumulative Ending Balance of Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | ($100,000) | $1,370,000 |
| 2008-09 | 80,000 | $1,450,000 |
| 2009-10 | 100,000 | $1,550,000 |
| 2010-11 | 176,000 | $1,726,000 |
Cumulative Net Change Over the Four Fiscal Years: $256,600 (1) The annual change in the allowances are recorded as a Bad Debt Expense or (Bad Debt Recovery) in the Fiscal Year |
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Recommendations
The First Nation should:
- Establish a policy on granting and collecting loans and advances to/from Band-owned businesses; and,
- Develop repayment schedules for each debtor, including Band Members and Band-owned businesses.