Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Aug 12/05) - People wanted $40 million in Northern Strategy money to go to the NWT's communities, and Premier Joe Handley says he has listened.

On Monday, Handley announced that each NWT community will get $606,000 in base funding.

Deh Cho Dollars Fort Liard - $208,800 Fort Providence - $292,600 Fort Simpson - $444,600 Jean Marie River - $24,500 Kakisa - $14,000 Nahanni Butte - $39,900 Trout Lake - $28,000 Wrigley - $61,700 * per capita amounts, over and above $606,000 base funding

They will receive an additional amount in per capita dollars. This money is meant to help locales address their priorities, Handley stated.

Of the $40 million commitment, which was inherited from the federal government, the GNWT has set aside $4 million for housing needs across the NWT.

The remaining $1 million is being designated for youth and healthy living initiatives.

Provided the legislative assembly approves the plan, communities will be able to access the fund as early as Nov. 1 or anytime within three years.

In places with more than one local governing body - like Fort Simpson, Fort Providence and Fort Liard - the funding will be flowed through the municipality but only when the municipal council meets with the First Nation and/or the Metis Local to form joint plans for the money, according to Debbie DeLancey, deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

In Fort Simpson, Mayor Raymond Michaud initially suspected the funding was tied to water and sewage infrastructure and the village would have to come up with matching dollars.

"If it is separate, it's damn good news," Michaud told the Drum.

"I'm happy about it."

He added his preference would be to spend the cash on municipal projects such as putting concrete on the arena floor.

In Kakisa, Chief Lloyd Chicot also expressed some initial skepticism.

He said his community usually receives funding only on a per capita basis and with a population of 40, that doesn't translate into much cash.

Kakisa, which is in line to receive a total of $620,000, is not accustomed to receiving that much money from the government, said Chicot.

"If it works that way it will be good for us. It's something to look forward to," he said.

"Any money we usually get through the office here we have to merge it with a different pot to do what we want to do."

He added that a portion of the funds will probably be used to help train band staff for oil and gas development and to help form an on-the-land working committee.