WINNIPEG – Manitoba Hydro is under fire again over its spending.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation on Tuesday showed off documents they obtained that show barely blacked-out figures.
One of the biggest bills Manitoba Hydro approved was $74,757 to Tataskweyak Cree Nation for a signing ceremony for the Keeyask Dam. Another document shows consultants were charging more than $250 per hour for their services. The total cost for the process and negotiations is more than $224 million.
The documents show laundry services, accommodations and laptop charges also were billed to Manitoba Hydro but were not reimbursed.
Global News contacted the Tataskweyak Cree Nation to ask how the $75,000 was spent, but band councillors weren’t available for a comment and an adviser couldn’t provide specifics.
“I’m hoping to get some direction,” said Victor Spence, the First Nation’s future development manager. “I don’t have the authority at the moment.”
The provincial government said the CTF’s numbers are out of date by three or four years.
“When the last audit was done, it said that the previous audit showed there were no material deficiencies,” said Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said they want the provincial auditor to investigate Manitoba Hydro’s agreements with northern Manitoba communities.
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