Mr. Speaker, last spring when we had the Circle of Northern Leaders meeting, we heard very loud and clear messages from local leaders that they wanted the ability to lead, to be leaders. They are elected. They wanted to be able to decide on the highest priority of their communities. Generally, that's what we heard across the Territories. So we have designed this proposal in a way that responds to that. Having said that, if some communities would prefer to submit applications to us and have us decide amongst the applications that we receive, then we're starting to prepare to do that. That's been the conventional way of doing it, and that's always an option for communities if it's too divisive or they have other reasons why they would like us to do it. They have three years to access the money, and we'd be pleased to do it, but at the same time we want to respond to the message we heard loud and clear from local leaders to let them lead. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Joe Handley on Question 121-15(4): Access To Northern Strategy Funds
In the Legislative Assembly on October 14th, 2005. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 121-15(4): Access To Northern Strategy Funds
Question 121-15(4): Access To Northern Strategy Funds
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 13th, 2005
Page 276
See context to find out what was said next.