Inuvik (July 31/06) - Despite support from several premiers for the scuttled $5.1 billion Kelowna Accord, the regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations does not believe the federal government will reverse its decision to scrap the deal.

"Without the (support of the) federal government, Canada can opt out of the agreement," Bill Erasmus said.

Bill Erasmus: "I think people should call an election over this." - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Provincial and territorial leaders meeting in Newfoundland last week voiced their support for the deal, which would provide billions for aboriginal housing and healthcare.

Erasmus finds the situation disheartening because it puts in question funding many thought was assured.

"I think people should call an election over this," Erasmus said.

While Paul Martin's outgoing Liberals agreed to the Kelowna Accord in 2005, the Conservative government decided not to honour the agreement, citing concern for miss-spending and pork-barreling.

In a recent interview with CJWW Radio in Saskatchewan, Conservative finance critic Monte Solberg said:

"(The) Kelowna Agreement is something they (the Liberals) crafted at the last moment on the back of a napkin, on the eve of an election. We're not going to honour that. We have our own plan that will help natives a lot more than the Liberals."

The problem is not the Kelowna agreement, Erasmus said. "The problem here is the federal government." He maintained the Kelowna accord is important for several reasons and should not be watered down.

"You can't separate the pieces," he said. "It's education, economics, there is the northern section.

They're all put together to close the gap on poverty."

The Conservatives have their own plan for aboriginals that includes $450 million for Kelowna-type programs over the next two years and a possible $600 million more for housing.

While the current government does not support the agreement, Erasmus said it is possible the deal might be implemented by a future government.

"One party can't overrule a representative parliament," he said, adding he believes most Canadians would support the agreement.

Erasmus urged those who support the Kelowna plan to write letters to government and make their voices heard. "What needs to happen is that everyone needs to lobby," he said.