REGINA: Saskatchewan's Provincial Auditor has delivered yet another condemning report describing "improper use of public money" by Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), the First Nations Fund, and Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming. Of 19 recommendations to SIGA made by the Auditor General since 2000, only seven have been implemented, four have been partially implemented, and eight have been completely ignored.

"Like characters from a Martin Scorsese film, SIGA and government officials continue to play fast and loose with taxpayer dollars, thumbing their noses at the Provincial Auditor," said CTF Saskatchewan Director David MacLean. "Little has changed since the Auditor first raised concerns in 2000, and the NDP government refuses to take any real action to bring about change."

"While the report highlights several problem areas, SIGA continues to be the biggest offender," said MacLean.

Key recommendations ignored by SIGA include: Documentation of organizational goals and objectives, completion of business and financial plans, public reporting of planned and actual results, and establishing adequate policies to ensure their books show all transactions.

"These recommendations are fundamental rules of doing business," added MacLean. "Yet SIGA continues to operate in an atmosphere devoid of accountability to the taxpayer. The Provincial Auditor has painted a grim picture of SIGAs shady accounting policies - yet this government refuses to hold SIGA officials accountable."

"Ultimately the buck stops at SIGA CEO Edmund Bellegarde, and Liquor and Gaming Minister Ron Osika," said MacLean. "Premier Calvert should have the resolve to ensure Osika and Bellegarde pay a price for their inability to get SIGA to comply with provincial laws and guidelines."

Low-lights from the Provincial Auditor's report:

$684,000 in illegal payments made by the First Nations Fund to Painted Hand Community Development Corporation and White Bear First Nation

$400,000 unauthorized payment from SIGA to Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, $150,000 unauthorized payment to Saskachewan Indian Gaming Licensing

$50,000 in inappropriate sponsorship for sports teams (SIGA)

$4,500 for golf course fees and memberships (SIGA)