Ron Barlas takes credit for Denesoline's achievements, applies for lawsuit to be dismissed

A man accused of stealing millions of dollars from the economic arm of a First Nation in the N.W.T. maintains his innocence and says the lawsuit has caused him personal hardships, including the loss of his comic book collection. 

Ron Barlas is accused by Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation of diverting between $10 million and $14 million from the First Nation's companies during Barlas's years as chief executive officer of the Denesoline Corporation. Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation Chief James Marlowe launched the lawsuit in April.

None of the allegations against him or information provided by him have been tested in court.

In his latest affidavit filed Sept. 8, Barlas applied to have the lawsuit dismissed and his assets unfrozen and returned to him. In the affidavit, he says he disclosed all possible conflicts of interest to the Denesoline board of directors and all financial concerns that have been highlighted in the First Nation's lawsuit against him were approved by the board of directors. He also says he is responsible for the success of the corporation and is recognized for such success by those who worked with him.

"My comics, vehicles and other items have been purchased with our personal funds and should be returned. My lifestyle was funded by monies I earned from my hard work," Barlas' affidavit states.

Łutselk'e is a community of around 350 on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, approximately 190 kilometres from Yellowknife. It is in close proximity to major diamond mines in the N.W.T., which can present economic opportunities for the community. 

Along with losing access to his comic books, Barlas referenced other hardships including the loss of his Porsche as well as media coverage that he says has portrayed him in a "very negative light." 

The affidavit also states Barlas has "noticed vehicles sitting outside and watching my house and following me."

The latest affidavit gave a few more details on Barlas himself, including books he's written and bankruptcies he's declared.

In the affidavit, Barlas, who has been Denesoline's CEO since 2014, describes himself as a "highly educated and recognized career executive, entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist."

He also claims in the affidavit that Denesoline achieved incredible success thanks largely to his "efforts, reputation and connections."

In the affidavit, Barlas writes that from 2014 to 2017 he increased the average annual donations people make to Łutselk'e from $10,000 a year and $50,000 "largely as a result of" his "extensive efforts, creativity and initiative."

The affidavit does reference how he declared bankruptcy twice, but says these were outside of his personal control and that he has "otherwise had a very successful business career." 

He says one bankruptcy was the result of his company being purchased in 1996 and the new owner pushing him out and the second was the result of a U.S. mall owner defaulting in 2008 and leaving Barlas with no money.