Fort Simpson (Apr 21/06) - Fort Simpson needs more funding. That was the argument heard by the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight during its strategic planning session held in the village.

The message was presented at a community meeting with the government committee on April 12.

Cutbacks imposed by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) to fit the village into the block funding formula have reduced funding to about $900,000 from a one-time peak of $2.1 million, said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

"They didn't care how we fit, they just wanted us to fit," Canvin told the committee members.

The rising cost of living, including increased oil and electricity bills, was not taken into consideration, said Canvin. The funding formula, along with the water subsidy, has to be re-examined, he said.

The village is also looking for a funding commitment from the GNWT to help achieve three capital projects this year - including chipsealing most of the roads in the municipality, building an extension on the fire hall and putting a concrete pad in the arena.

Canvin said current funding is problematic because while there is plenty of money for water and sewer, there is none available for projects like roads and recreation.

"We hate to come here with our hands out, but we the beggars of Fort Simpson have always had our hands out," said Canvin.

Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee said the committee is aware that lack of funding is an ongoing issue. She asked where Fort Simpson stood on the hamlet issue.

Fort Simpson would like to survive as a village, said Canvin. But a new deal expected from MACA in which hamlets can have taxation powers and raise their own revenues will lead to more struggling communities, Canvin said.

Fort Simpson's concerns will be brought to the government's attention, said MLA Kevin Menicoche, the chair for the committee.

MLAs are aware of the infrastructure deficit in the North and the hamlet versus village debate, said Menicoche.