After months of controversy, Squamish Nation elected officials Krisandra Jacobs and Glen Newman have been officially removed from their positions.
The removal was announced in a Squamish Nation newsletter released on Feb. 24. Council made the decision at meetings held on Feb. 3 and 4.
It stems back to an investigation started in early May regarding the conduct of the two members and their involvement with the handling of emergency funds.
In June, Squamish Nation chiefs and council commissioned lawyer Nazeer Mitha to investigate. His findings concluded that $1.5 million of the emergency funds for which the duo was responsible was not properly accounted.
Following the release of Mitha’s findings, Squamish Nation members passed two separate motions in the fall to remove the pair, but they were not officially removed until February.
According to the newsletter, Jacobs was given the opportunity to resign but did not respond to that opportunity and was removed effective Feb. 13. Newman offered his resignation on Feb. 3, and chiefs and council accepted the move by consensus on Feb. 4.
Squamish Nation member Beverly Brown said she’s happy that the pair have finally been removed but pointed out that an RCMP investigation could be several years down the road.
“It’s nice to see some action and movement and I’m happy to see them take some steps, but it will take time for everyone to process through it all,” she said. “We’re still seeking transparency and accountability and are looking forward to making sure our actions were acted upon. It’s the will of the people and they need to remember that is our custom.”
Brown said she has been trying to contact Mitha so she can get a copy of his audit and investigation but it’s been difficult to receive that information.
“I’m frustrated with the process because as a member and shareholder with the Nation, I’m entitled to that information,” she said. “But I find they’re very secretive and withhold lots of information from the membership. I would love to see the documents.”
Newman was able to account for most of the money he was expending but his recordkeeping for most of the money was “highly unconventional,” according to the newsletter. Brown said she’d like to see the details for herself and has the right to do so.
She added that it’s unlikely that the pair will be replaced and that their seats will probably sit empty until the next election in three years.
