(Translation) I am deeply concerned about the impending cuts to our language programs through our funding agreements with the federal government. I am very disappointed that this government has not been able to
convince the federal government that more money is needed in this area, not less.
What bothers me also is the fact that the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment appears to be trying to shift part of the responsibility of the cuts to the NWT Languages Commission. I quote from his remarks to the Keewatin Divisional Board of Education last September, "A lot of it came as a result of criticism from our Languages Commissioner, who appeared before the Assembly and said we were not spending our money."
Several questions come to mind about this whole issue. For example, if, as the Minister says, the federal government used the Languages Commissioner's report to argue for cut; what was happening to the annual accounting of languages money that was supposed to be submitted to the federal government? If this accounting occurred, wouldn't the federal government already have been aware that some funds were being lapsed?
If it is the position of this government...Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my statement.