Frog Lake First Nation Chief Greg Desjarlais has been removed from office after the Nation’s Election Appeals Committee upheld a removal complaint.
The panel ruled that a $65,000 payment toward a residential property improperly used First Nation funds for personal benefit.
The decision followed a September 19 public hearing on a complaint filed by member Melantha Abraham. Email records from then-finance officer Kevin Price described the money as non-repayable remuneration.
The property is owned by Desjarlais and now houses an immediate family member.
The committee concluded the funds did not benefit the broader membership. While chiefs and councils routinely provide member benefits, access to this specific property was not open to others.
In a statement from the Panel, Desjarlais knew the payment was for his personal use and it violated the Oath of Office. “It was not part of his salary and constituted personal gain under section 11(a)(ii) of the Election Code”.
The committee also faulted Desjarlais for failing to inform the rest of Council about the extraordinary payment.
Although formal approval rules were lacking and requests often went straight to finance, disclosure was standard practice—especially for large amounts. Other councillors who received significant payments had informed Council.
The committee has declined to order a by-election, citing the short interim term and cost.
Frog Lake First Nations next general election is set for April 2027.
Council earlier placed Desjarlais on paid administrative leave pending review; he challenged that suspension in Federal Court, insisting the Election Code process be followed.
Abraham filed the formal complaint July 25; it was referred August 25.
After the September 19 hearing, the Appeals Committee—Chair Tanner Stanley and members Elaine Carter Harper, Doris Okanee, and Cody Paul—granted the removal.
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