Allegations of vote buying on Lake St. Martin reserve, report says

New allegations are flying in the community of Lake St. Martin First Nation accusing the chief and council of buying votes in the June 2012 election.  

CBC News has obtained a report which states the new chief and five councillors conspired together to buy band member votes in exchange for cash, alcohol, food, gas vouchers and illegal drugs.  

The report, which includes statements from band members, was written by a former RCMP officer and private investigator for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.  

The officer submitted his findings to the organization last November — the matter is still under investigation.  

Mervin Sinclair, who lost a bid for chief of Lake Saint Martin in June 2012, told CBC News he's shocked to hear of the allegations.  

"I just shook my head," he said "I couldn't believe that this was that bad."  

The current chief and council maintain the allegations are questionable and based on worthless evidence.  

Sinclair said he is frustrated — months later the same people are in power.  

"Overturn the election based on facts and the facts are very serious," he said.  

He also said the reserve is in need of change. "We're in the situation where you know we need something positive to come out of here for the community."  

Lake St. Martin First Nation is still recovering after suffering severe flooding nearly two years ago, forcing everyone on the reserve out of their homes for months.