Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister has indicated that there are two types of funding in these communities. The funding for the bands from the federal government and the funding the communities receive through what is called a SOAP program. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I want to make clear I am not referring to band funding and the ability for people to vote as to what is done with band money. I am talking about funds for the SOAP program. Mr. Speaker, the Minister has indicated that over and above the SOAP program, communities also receive other benefits such as forest fire protection services, they receive capital funding for capital infrastructure. Therefore these communities do receive a lot of money from this government. What I am asking the Minister is, will the Minister consider going into these communities and perhaps more strongly requesting these communities to come up with a formal government which would allow all residents of the Territories to address the funding from this government, not from the federal government? The Minister has also indicated that there are some communities that have already accepted this policy and amended their structures at Good Hope, Fort Franklin. So, all I am asking, is the Minister willing to go into these communities and perhaps have another look at these SOAP policies? Thank you.
Vince Steen on Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
In the Legislative Assembly on February 12th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Supplementary 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 567
See context to find out what was said next.