[rrskylar]

Cree Nation review spawns deeper look into finances

WINNIPEG — The former head of a troubled northern child welfare agency earned $807,000 over three years, some of it by submitting two expense claims for the same trip or by overcharging for earned days off.

Child welfare officials released a financial review this afternoon that looked at the books of the Cree Nation Child and Family Caring Agency, the same agency mired in scandal last year.

The review, which has spawned a deeper, more formal forensic audit, could also lead to criminal charges, child welfare officials hinted.

The review found that Linda Constant, Cree Nation's former executive director, was paid for 191 earned days off but had only earned 81. And it found that, on two occasions, Constant was effectively paid twice for a trip, amounting to $5,200 in overpayments.

The review also found that board members, who were appointed from each of the seven bands Cree Nation served, raked in nearly $700,000 in per diems, honoraria and other expenses over a four year-period.

WPG Freep