Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Harvester Assistance Program was initiated to supplement the Nunavut claims settlement some years ago with two previous governments. The Nunavut Program was a program that required the Government of the Northwest Territories to put money into a fund over a fixed period of time, matching funds with the aboriginal claiming group. As of this year, the total contributions that were required by the Government of the Northwest Territories has been contributed. The fund is now fully funded and in the hands of the board that will administer that fund. In the western part of the territory, the settlement of the Gwich'in claim and the Sahtu claim required that we look at a different arrangement but the same guidelines applied. Although regions could apply, individual communities could apply. The amount was calculated, I believe, on a per capita basis similar to the amount invested in the Eastern Arctic. So far, a number of regions and communities have applied for this fund. Therefore, the amount required each year to be put in the budget varies. As different communities and regions initiate these programs, the funds are allocated as much as possible through the budget process. So, that is why the annual amount allocated in the budget seems to vary, going up and down. It depends on how many programs we commit ourselves to. The period of time and the amount of money that is required, as well as, how many new communities and regions also apply for these programs and are approved for them. It will be a few more years before we are fully complete our commitments and obligations here in the west. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 210-13(5): Western Harvester Assistance Program
In the Legislative Assembly on February 4th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 210-13(5): Western Harvester Assistance Program
Question 210-13(5): Western Harvester Assistance Program
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 3rd, 1998
Page 550
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