Groups welcome 'cuts at the top'
Northern News Services
Monday, June 6, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A cross-section of politicians, industry officials, aboriginal leaders and business officials said they were generally supportive of the GNWT budget which was delivered on June 1, with most interviewed saying some cuts were going to have to happen if the government was to begin a path of more prudent fiscal responsibility.
Former Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro said she was pleased the cuts were not as deep as some had predicted.
"It sounds as though they have done some analysis where money is there but not being spent and so they've pulled that back and put it somewhere else," Bisaro said. "My disappointment is that there are no new taxes and that we're putting money into mining. With the global economy what it is - I just don't think we should be putting more money into mining. We've got lots of incentives there already."
One person who said he was pleasantly surprised that the government is increasing investment by $1.2 million in the mineral exploration sector is Tom Hoefer, executive director of the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
"There are tough times right now in the economy and revenues are down. They can't be irresponsible. But getting an increase there I think was smart," said Hoefer. "The government's mineral development strategy was created to deal with this decline in exploration and investment. Part of it is to increase incentives for people to come and explore here and part of it is for more geoscience information. The other factor that will help us is settling land claims and the other biggie is infrastructure, particularly roads.
"But there wasn't a lot in there ... because they are still trying to leverage money from the federal government."
Mike Bradshaw, executive director of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, said the government has struck a balance that works for him and the businesses he represents.
"You have to make sure that you help people and the economy at the same time," Bradshaw said. "Federal infrastructure funding has been delayed. We should look at getting private investors involved in infrastructure spending. Aboriginal communities are looking at making investments in infrastructure."
Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus said cuts to programs and services are regretful but at least not as drastic as some had feared. The government's responsibility now is to consult with aboriginal people every step of the way as it prepares to implement millions in cuts.
Fort Good Hope Chief Wilfred McNeely said he was still digesting the 432-word document but what he had seen so far looks encouraging to the people of his community and the Sahtu in general.
"It sounds like there are going to be some cuts at the top but they will do more for the communities on the small side - that's a good thing for my community," McNeely said.
