Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for asking these questions. I can honestly say the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh has been in constant contact and doing his job as an MLA. In regards to his question, it's going to be a little bit longwinded, but I apologize now.
In March 2019, Municipal and Community Affairs entered into a co-management agreement with the hamlet that expired in 2020. MACA's regional superintendent remained in regular contact, almost often daily, with the mayor and SAO to provide ongoing support. In fall of 2022, the interim SAO provided quarterly reports showing a million-dollar deficit. Municipal and Community Affairs regional staff visited the community in 2022 and were able to assist with some financial reporting.
In a letter to the mayor on October 13th, 2022, MACA set out concerns and recommendations related to governance, financial reporting, and critical infrastructure, and SAO recruitment. The regional superintendent was in touch almost daily with the mayor and deputy mayor from September to January 2022, urging council to hire a SAO as it was a legislative requirement.
In February 2023, the regional superintendent and assistant superintendent met with the council to highlight some of MACA's concerns. Council members repeatedly asked for administration at that time and we were trying to work with them -- administration is our last step, and we were trying to work with them to come out there.
The school community government met with the council to discuss the custom training plan. MACA visited -- staff visited the community to meet with staff and council in March, April, and May of 2023 to discuss and assist with financial and governance issues. The regional office continues to provide ongoing advice and support to the mayor and deputy mayor after the mayor resigned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.