Chief Ron Giesbrecht won't resign after $1M payday controversy

Chief Ron Giesbrecht of theKwikwetlem First Nation in B.C. says he's not going anywhere.

The chief has been facing calls for his resignation since it was revealed that he was paid nearly $1 million in compensation last year.

"Ive been on the phone since last week talking to all band members and I have their support that they support me not to resign," Giesbrecht said in an interview with CBC Radio earlier today.

According to documents released last week,Giesbrechtwas paid$914,219 last year. His salary as chief was$4,800 and $80,000 foreconomic development officer. He also received a bonus of $800,000.

• Kwikwetlem Chief Ron Giesbrecht should resign, band councillor says
• B.C chief RonGiesbrecht's$1Mpay 'very troubling,' minister's office says
• ANALYSIS |First Nations Transparency Act may do more harm than good: Hayden King
• Visit CBC Aboriginal for more stories

The bonus was for his role as economic development officer for the band. His contract stipulated he was entitled to a bonus equivalent to 10 per cent of all economic activity he brought to the community.

Giesbrechtsaid thathe knew about the bonus when he took over the position buthe never expected to receive that much money.

"I took over economic development and in that economic development contract there was a 10per cent bonus and to our amazement, we never expected to make so much money in one year."

Councillor Marvin Joe, who has been head of the 81-member First Nation in the past and has been critical of the chiefs pay, says hes still calling on Giesbrecht to resign and wants him to return the money he was paid.

"I just think its wrong. The million dollars, that money belongs to the membership. That belongs to the children, to the elders, for our homes, for our future. It does not belong to one individual," he said.

"I dont care if there is a 10 per cent bonus clause in there."

Community is improving, chief says

According to the financial documents, the biggest source of revenue for the band located in the Coquitlam area, was $8,225,000 from the Province of British Columbia.

Giesbrecht said he can't discuss details of the deal with the province, but said the band has benefited from the funds.

"In the last 12 months, weve built 12 [housing] units as well as were putting a new road in, putting in underground power to bring people back home. As well as our health program and our elder support and youthsupport programs that weve set up."

Giesbrechtsaid the band is creating a board to oversee economic development and any future bonuses.

The financial documents were released in accordance with the government's new First Nation Financial Transparency Act.

The Kwikwetlem First Nation has 81 members.