Feds Urged To Simplify Aid For Native Businesses

Feds Urged To Simplify Aid For Native Businesses

Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 14:29

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples has released a new report that calls for a reduction in barriers to Aboriginal economic development.

Senator Nick Sibbeston says some of those barriers include the Indian Act, a lack of operating subsidies, and cuts to equity programs at Indian and Northern Affairs.

Sibbeston notes this week’s federal budget didn’t provide Aboriginal businesses with too many incentives, either.

He believes the first thing the government should do is reduce the amount of departments geared towards Aboriginal business. He says, right now, there are about 11 government departments and roughly 30 programs that deal with Native economic development.

Sibbeston says some other potential remedies to the problem include the establishment of an Aboriginal land and resource management agency, and a boost in operating grants to Aboriginal capital corporations.

Sibbeston adds Aboriginal business won’t succeed without stable leadership — something he says is often found in successful communities.