Mr. Speaker, the federal government recently announced a ten per cent reduction in grants and contributions programs.
Unfortunately the federal government has informed us that they intend to apply their reduction to the Canada-Northwest Territories agreement for French and aboriginal languages. This means we could lose about $1 million next year in contributions to language services and programs in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the procedure used to advise the government of the cuts demonstrates a disregard for both the terms and spirit of the agreement. Our officials were advised of the reductions when they arrived in Ottawa to review the proposed spending plan for 1993-94. More importantly, the time jeopardizes the timely approval of our 1993-94 budget prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. This will mean a delay in initiating approved projects.
Mr. Speaker, I have communicated our dissatisfaction about this arbitrary reduction to Secretary of State, Monique Landry. We have asked for the matter to be reviewed immediately.
While our government supports the need for fiscal restraint, cuts applied to already underfunded initiatives raise concerns about the will of the current federal government with regard to aboriginal people and its support for the international year of indigenous people. I will keep Members of this Assembly up-to-date on any developments on this matter. Thank you.
---Applause