Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Friday, February 19, 2007

FORT SMITH - A former chief of Salt River First Nation (SRFN) has been sentenced to six months' house arrest for theft over $5,000.

Victor Marie, who was chief of the Fort Smith-based band from 2002 to 2004, was sentenced in Territorial Court on Feb. 13 by Chief Judge Brian Bruser.

The former chief and Tanya Tourangeau, a former financial officer with the band, were both convicted late last year for stealing two cheques with a total value of $23,031.69. The cheques were the property of 4990 NT Ltd., a stand-alone surveying company with close ties to the band.

The cheques were stolen in 2003 while Marie was chief. The charges were laid in July of 2004, and both Marie, 54, and Tourangeau, 32, pleaded not guilty.

Marie, who now lives and works in Fort McMurray, was ordered to pay back half of the stolen funds and also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service.

Tourangeau, who lives in Edmonton, was sentenced to 90 days imprisonment, to be served on weekends. She was also ordered to pay restitution of half the stolen amount.

While passing sentence, Bruser said he took into account the length of time it took for the case to go through the legal system and the effects on the accused.

"They have been shunned by some people in this community," he said.

In explaining the sentences during an hour-long address, Bruser noted Marie had a dated criminal record related to alcohol.

"That part of his life was a generation ago," the judge noted, adding the theft was out of character.

However, Bruser said Tourangeau had a related criminal record which included theft and a fraud.

Bruser said the fact Tourangeau was serving an 18-month conditional sentence for the fraud when the cheques were stolen was a serious aggravating factor.

However, the judge said he believes the two are "genuinely and sincerely" remorseful for their actions.

Bruser explained the cheques came from the federal government to the company, which was doing work for the SRFN.

They were stolen in Fort Smith, deposited at a trust company in Edmonton, and attempts were made to drain the account.

Marie was a director of 4990 NT Ltd. Tourangeau was not a director, but helped set up the company.

Following the sentence, Marie declined comment.

Bruser will hold a Feb. 20 hearing in Yellowknife to obtain permission from the attorney general of Canada to transfer the sentences to the Province of Alberta.