Aboriginal Programs Affected By Budget Cuts

Aboriginal Programs Affected By Budget Cuts

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 14:38

 

 

Aboriginal people are not immune to cuts announced today in the provincial budget.

 

The First Nations tax exemption on cartons will be reduced to one carton per week, expected to take effect through legislation procedures.

 

That’s on top of the increase of the tobacco tax charged to all residents in the province, which amounts to 2.7 cents per cigarette.

 

That change takes effect at midnight.

 

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan residents will also be paying more for liquor as of April 1st.

 

The price for a case of beer will increase by 75 cents, and a 750 ml bottle of liquor will increase by 50 cents.

 

The government is deferring a $5 million plan for an access road pilot project for the Mistawasis First Nation.

 

Other cuts include eliminating the First Nations and Metis Relations’ Aboriginal Employment Development Program.

 

The program’s annual cost was $786,000.

 

The Ministry is also eliminating the Aboriginal Urban Management Program, as well as a grant to the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association, amounting to an annual savings of $152,000.

 

The Environment Ministry is also reducing the fire management budget in operations and government-owned capital to the tune of $30.8 million.