Eskasoni Signs Gaming Agreement

The Eskasoni Gaming Commission has signed a new gaming agreement with the province.

Michael Baker, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, said the agreement contains provisions that address accountability issues raised earlier this year by residents in the community.

"I want to thank commission members for their co-operation," said Mr. Baker. "We look forward to working with Eskasoni as we implement this new agreement. We feel these arrangements will guarantee that proceeds from video lottery terminals are used for community and economic development projects that benefit the entire community."

The agreement calls for standard annual financial statements of gaming activities, including reporting on how the funds have benefitted the community at large. It also calls for community consultation on how video lottery terminal (VLT) profits are used to support local projects.

It also states that gaming revenue must not displace funding provided under financial arrangements with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. That includes the payment of wages or honoraria to the chief and members of the band council.

The agreement also calls for the development and implementation of conflict-of-interest guidelines.

Mr. Baker said the province will forward audited statements to Nova Scotia's auditor general on an annual basis.

"This supports the most recent recommendation made by the auditor general that there be public reporting of on-reserve gaming activities."

Eskasoni is one of 10 First Nation communities that have signed gaming agreements with the province. In 1998-99, the total First Nations' share of VLT profits was $13.5 million dollars. Bands also received $923,000 as their share in 50 per cent of the profits from the Sydney Casino.