Northern Mayors Not Promised Additional Revenue

Northern Mayors Not Promised Additional Revenue

Monday, September 12, 2005 at 13:48

 

 

A number of northern mayors and five provincial cabinet ministers have a lot to think about this week after wrapping up six hours of talks Friday afternoon.

 

The government held its annual Northern Roundtable meeting in La Ronge, and according to Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Len Taylor, everything went well.

 

Taylor says everything from road upgrades to justice issues were discussed at length during the bear-pit session.

 

However, he says the most frequent request was for more money.

 

Taylor says his government is attempting to determine just how much money it has to spend right now and should know in a few months.

 

However, he warns northerners should be aware of the fact there is only so much money to go around and there are many needs.

 

Cumberland House Mayor Dale McAuley admits he isn’t sure how much extra oil money might be coming to the North, noting a formula already exists on how it is to be spent.

 

McAuley says northern leaders look forward to hearing more from the government about how any extra revenue will be dispersed in the months to come.