Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today in support of the motion respecting the recently announced ten per cent cut to the Canada/Northwest Territories cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages. I would like to talk to this motion. (Translation ends)

The Conservative government in Ottawa, with these latest cuts to aboriginal languages, has yet again proven its outright disdain for aboriginal culture in this country.

Mr. Speaker, it was only two years ago that the tories disregarded the critical cultural importance of aboriginal media in this country by slashing funding support and thereby destroyed many native newspapers in this country. Mr. Speaker, our very own Native Press right now is nearing financial collapse as a result of losing its federal funding two years ago.

(Translation) So, Mr. Speaker, some speakers spoke in support of this motion, and I agree with all of them. They are quite correct in what they have to say. The way this motion is written, when it comes to a vote, I will vote in support of the motion. I will support the motion. Thank you.