Yellowknife (Feb 24/03) - There is a mountain of federal government cash, but Nunavummiut have to make an effort to grab what they can, says Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.

The Feb. 18 federal budget announcement outlines billions of dollars for programs that can affect Nunavut life, from mining tax credits, to child care, to affordable housing funding.

But there is a catch, according to Karetak-Lindell.

"I'm not satisfied at the number of people who get access to this money," she says.

Access has a lot to do with awareness -- staying on top of the large number of federal programs is crucial, and so is following the pile of paperwork these applications demand.

"I know people wish they didn't have to fill out so many forms, but that's the reality of applying and getting federal money," the MP says.

Some Nunavut communities are on the ball and are quick to get their share of whatever funding programs might apply to them.

Others, Karetak-Lindell says, are a little slower off the mark -- perhaps because they aren't even aware certain programs are out there.

"It's a catch-22 -- you can't apply if you don't know the program exists," she says.

It's a case of saying, "give me my share."

"Maybe we don't blow our own horn enough," Karetak-Lindell says.

"We are greatly in need of infrastructure. We have to be sure to get our applications in."

Highlights of the

2003 federal budget:

- $935 million over five years to increase access to quality child care and early training opportunities.

- An extension of the temporary mineral exploration tax credit.

- $172.5 million to support aboriginal languages and culture.

- A new scholarship program with a one-time $12 million endowment administered by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

- $3 billion to support strategic and municipal infrastructure over the next 10 years.

- $320 million over five years to enhance existing affordable housing agreements.