Eskasoni Gaming Given Deadline For Change

The Province of Nova Scotia will give the Eskasoni Gaming Commission two weeks to make changes in the way it handles VLT revenues.

Michael Baker, the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, today tabled in the House of Assembly information contained in a financial review conducted by the firm of Grant Thornton.

"Provincial staff met yesterday with officials from the Eskasoni Gaming Commission to talk about recommendations flowing from the review," said Mr. Baker. "I'm happy to say they indicated their support for improved accountability."

The review highlights the need for improved controls and more community involvement in the use of gaming revenues. It also showed that, from April 1, 1999, to Feb. 29, 2000, $466,000 in gaming revenues were used to pay wages of band council members and vehicle expenses of the band chief.

"My number 1 concern is for the residents of Eskasoni First Nation at-large," said Mr. Baker. "We believe that gaming proceeds should be for the benefit of the entire community. Band administration, which includes wages, is a matter between the band and the federal government."

The minister said the Nova Scotia government will work collaboratively with Eskasoni officials to make the gaming process as open and transparent as possible.

"What it boils down to is accountability," he said. "Not only do we, as a province, need to know how the funds are spent, but more importantly, the community needs assurances as well."

There are 64 VLT machines in the community. Last year, the band's net profit from VLT proceeds totaled $770,865.

Ten of the 13 First Nations communities have signed gaming agreements with the province.