Federal budget 'disappointing': MLA
Lack of funding for Norman Wells connection unfortunate, Thompson says
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, March 31, 2016
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
A federal decision not to include funding for an all-season road to Norman Wells in its budget was a let-down, said Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson after the budget was released last week.
"I would say 'disappointed' is a good word for (my reaction) - understanding, like any budget, the federal government has to look after all the country," Thompson told Deh Cho Drum, speaking from Yellowknife on March 29.
"They identified their priorities and unfortunately for us, while we did see some, we didn't see the road to riches. That's unfortunate."
Some things the budget did include are a 33 per cent increase to the Northern Residents Deduction, which will bring it up to $22 per day from $16.50, as well as $12 million over the next two years for housing.
Thompson said the deduction increase, as well as $500 million to support the establishment of a National Framework on Early Learning and Child Care across Canada, are items residents should be grateful for.
"For residents in the Northwest Territories, we're seeing those two areas given more money (so they) can have a better life," he said.
As for housing, Thompson said it was good to see the territory allocated some funds, although not at the level he would have liked to see.
"It's nice but it's not (what) we need. It's a start, though - hopefully at some point, we would see more so we could address the housing issue that is a big concern for the people of the Northwest Territories," he said.
"Like anybody else, I'd love to see more. We have a huge number of homeless and a housing challenge within Nahendeh, where (more money) would be very beneficial."
Thompson also addressed the Northern Adult Basic Education Program, which the federal government has extended for one year at a cost of $3.9 million.
That program provides targeted funding to Northern colleges so they can improve adult basic education services. Over the next year, the federal government also intends to review the program.
"$3.9 million is a nice touch. It's beneficial to what we're trying to get done," Thompson said.
"It's good to see, but I'd like to see them expand it ... on a regional level. The more we get people through education, whether it's in trades or off to university, the better off they're going to be - and the better off our riding is going to be."
The territorial budget has yet to be completed, meaning the Nahendeh area won't know what portion of federal funding it will see for some time yet.
Thompson said MLAs will likely review departmental business plans in May.
