Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a lot of cases it is really up to the communities, the chief and band councils to run the communities the way that is most economical and feasible for them. Perhaps there are some non-aboriginal people who are there, that live in the community for perhaps jobs or because they choose to live there. They may feel that they do not have a say in the way funds are spent in the communities. In that case, it is difficult for me to go into communities and tell them to see if these people could be included. I think this government has been doing it over the years. I think it will continue to do it. I think there has been attempts in the past by MACA to see if they could find a way to do what the honourable Member is saying. Yes, I think the policy of the government here is to continue to do it. I think the department that is taking the lead role in this endeavour for chartered communities is the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Jointly, we could continue to talk about different options that are out there. Again, at the same time, there are bilateral arrangements between the chiefs and the federal government. The view that the chief and band councils take is that whatever happens on their land in their communities is through the treaties. If this government is providing money for infrastructure, for programs and services then this government is saying everybody is entitled to it. That is the reality of the day. Yes, I could tell the Member that whenever I go into the community we have these discussions, we talk about these things and we will continue to do that. Thank you.
Jim Antoine on Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
In the Legislative Assembly on February 12th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 11th, 1997
Page 568
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
See context to find out what was said next.