Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is a very short one. I will not attempt make legitimate, or defend what has been happening in the past, what cuts have been taking place.

However, regarding this year's cut backs, and all the fiscal restraints, we have been asked to cut back ten percent of the programs. The Member will appreciate that cultural contribution segment has been cut back only eight percent, and not ten percent.

So, I assure the Member that there will be no voluntary, other than restraint, attempt to undermine the validity, or the importance, of the cultural programs that we contribute to the communities. The department is not the only one that has been promoting it. We have a $200,000 contribution to the Dene Cultural Institute that also promotes cultural programs.