Kwikwetlem chief re-elected despite controversy

Ron Giesbrecht was reportedly paid nearly $1-million in 2014

By Angela Espinoza, News Editor

On April 2 the Kwikwetlem First Nation in Coquitlam re-elected Ron Giesbrecht as chief of the collective, despite controversy over his previous leadership.

Giesbrecht who held the position of chief last year, was reportedly paid nearly $1-million over the course of the year for his work with the group.

The Province reported that the increase in pay was primarily from a “bonus” for securing a “land deal,” but was otherwise the highest paid member of their council.

Giesbrecht’s only competitor was a member by the name of George Chaffee, who Tri-city News reported Giesbrecht beat by nearly double the voter ballots.

Several other members of the council were re-elected, although concerns over Giesbrecht’s role remain. News 1130 reported that one group member, Ron Jackman, was “outraged” due to Giesbrecht’s previous payment and sought his resignation.