Mr. Chairman, as stated previously under general comments, members of the committee noted that $1,000,000 had been allocated for National Aboriginal Day celebrations, which included the Living History Project.

After further questioning, it was learned that the Living History Project had not been separately identified. Members requested a full breakdown of both projects and that the projects be separated in order to fully identify individual funding. The department agreed to this suggestion.

Members also noted a lack of documentation explaining the plans of the society and its funding requirements. The committee raised concerns that the Living History Project appears to have been given special funding preference compared to other non-profit groups. Members also pointed out that funding for cultural groups usually comes through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Finally, the committee was also concerned with the amount of money allocated for this new initiative when other more vital programs could use money as well. The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development referred this item to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight for review. I guess we felt that it had government-wide ramifications.