The provincial government says its new budget commits $172.4 million for First Nations and Metis initiatives across government — an increase of more than $4.7 million or 2.8 per cent.
It includes an increase of $2.5 million for grants that support First Nation and Metis community economic and social programs under provincial gaming agreements.
As well, the province has set aside $9.4 million for Aboriginal education funding, which includes a 38.5 per cent increase to pre-kindergarten programs.
First Nations and Metis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff says the government is encouraged with recent Aboriginal employment increases in the province — but adds there is more much to do, and Aboriginal education and employment will continue to be a priority for the government.
But the Opposition says no investments are made through the budget in First Nations and Metis employment, or in “closing the unacceptable gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal education outcomes”.
Athabasca NDP MLA Buckley Belanger notes the Northern Affairs budget is being cut from $4.36 million to just over $3 million.
Belanger says the contribution to the Metis Development Fund is dropping from almost $5 million dollars to $2.2 million.
He is also upset that northern firefighting teams will go from five members to four, adding he believes the net result will be “many, many jobs lost throughout the north”.
As well, Belanger is concerned that funding for the Northern Enterprise Regions is being eliminated.
“From my perspective as a northern MLA, I think it’s just shameful that this government is focusing on the area and letting people go — and letting staff go from an area that desperately need jobs.”
Cheveldayoff says the province is moving in a different direction as far as funding for the Enterprise Regions is concerned, “but we hope that the good work that was done continues on, and will be led by the municipalities themselves.”
Belanger says he has also heard that the fish freight subsidy for commercial fishers is being cut.