By Dominic Abassi

Snuneymuxw suspends chief for alleged financial breach

Nov 16, 2017 | 11:48 AM

NANAIMO — Snuneymuxw First Nation has suspended its chief for allegedly signing cheques to terminated employees.

A letter sent to SFN members said chief John Wesley is suspended, effective immediately, until Feb. 1, 2018. The council decision was based on the findings of an investigation by an independent lawyer.

The letter alleged Wesley signed two cheques, totalling $20,000, to two employees who were terminated in July 2015. “These cheques were not made in accordance with SFN financial procedure…The investigation finds that chief John Wesley breached both his fiduciary duty and the standards set out in the SFN Council Governance Policy Manual.”

It said Wesley declined numerous opportunities over the last year to speak with the investigator. “He declined to do so and only provided short cryptic answers to some questions through his lawyer,” the letter said.

Wesley did not respond to a request for comment by NanaimoNewsNOW.

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In a statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, councillor Doug White III said the decision to suspend Wesley was unanimous and since “actions related to the investigation are still underway” there will be no further comment.

Councillor Doug White II was appointed acting chief.

— with files from Ian Holmes

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi