Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson lives in this home in the small Manitoba community. Hudson's salary is being panned by some residents and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson lives in this home in the small Manitoba community. Hudson's salary is being panned by some residents and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. (CBC)Anger and outrage are being expressed on a small Manitoba First Nation community over the salaries and benefits paid to the community's elected leaders.

Documents provided to CBC News by the advocacy group the Canadian Taxpayers Federation show that the chief and four councillors of the Peguis First Nation were paid between $206,000 and $310,000 each last year.

The community is home to about 7,200 people and is located about 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

The documents, which were part of a review of the council's finances, were prepared by accounting firm BDO Dunwoody in Winnipeg.

They show that in 2008-09, Chief Glenn Hudson earned $206,381.

In the documents, accountants say that figure includes:

  • $124,830 in salary.
  • $32,151 in travel expenses.
  • $1,200 in honorarium payments.
  • $48,200 for "other remuneration."

Coun. Glennis Sutherland earned $310,731, broken down as:

  • $127,310 in salary.
  • $58,984 in travel expenses.
  • $124,437 in "other remuneration."

The documents do not explain what qualifies to be paid out as "other remuneration," but spokesperson Colin Craig of the taxpayer group said Sunday that it's likely the amount reflects extra payments for the politicians to attend meetings and other duties.

Hudson's compensation as the community's chief in 2008-09 was more than $200,000. Hudson's compensation as the community's chief in 2008-09 was more than $200,000. (Peguis First Nation)Craig said the band officials' tax-free salaries are "ludicrous," considering that they're more than what Winnipeg's mayor or Manitoba's premier earned last year

Sam Katz earned $114,052 in base salary last year, and former premier Gary Doer earned $153,769.

Compensation 'ridiculous,' residents say

Craig told CBC News that he compared the Peguis salaries with those made by councillors in Altona, Man., a small community of about 3,700 people.

"No one on Altona's council makes more than $20,000 a year," Craig said.

"So to hear these individuals are making $200,000, it's completely obscene."

Coun. Glennis Sutherland received $310,731 last year, of which nearly $60,000 was for travel expenses. Coun. Glennis Sutherland received $310,731 last year, of which nearly $60,000 was for travel expenses. (Peguis First Nation)

Some residents of the community said they are outraged, adding that the First Nation is in need of social programming and housing.

"It shouldn't be like this with the leaders on the reserve. [There are] lots of poor people around that needs help, not only the chief and his councillors," community elder Rachel Cook said.

A high-ranking official with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs called Hudson's compensation "outrageous."

The official — who spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity — said chiefs in other parts of the province typically make between $40,000 and $78,000 annually.

Hudson has not returned repeated calls seeking comment. However, media reports quoted Hudson as saying the numbers were accurate.