Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a bit of background. The department has maintained the contribution agreement in the amount of $143,000 annually with the Dene Nation since the transfer of health services from the federal government in 1988.
Prior to the transfer, the Dene Nation received funding from Health Canada for their health program. The contribution agreement provides a framework for the department to work in partnership with the Dene Nation to influence the health and well-being of Dene people in the Northwest Territories.
The department and the Dene Nation set joint priorities on an annual basis and have quarterly meetings to share information and discuss progress on key priorities. This agreement is planned to be renewed in the upcoming fiscal year.
It would be difficult to break $143,000 down into much smaller components and be able to actually have the kind of planning and dialogue that goes on with the Dene Nation at this time with smaller groups. Thank you.