David Krutko

Mr. Minister, just to be on the public record, could you introduce your witness, please.

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole back to order. Prior to the break we agreed to deal with Tabled Document 53 and 54. At this time I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the bill if you have any opening comments. Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.

Again, if we’re not able to get that information immediately, I suggest that we postpone this section of this bill and deal with it once we get the information from the Minister. Because I think to make a decision on spending $2.2 million, we should know exactly how it’s going to be expended and if we’re spending money on something that’s not going to take effect until future years, I think we have a real problem. Spending money on implementation of an agreement that is not even close to being finalized. More importantly, if you implement agreements after you have an agreement. It’s kind of...

Question is being called.

---Carried

Does committee agree?

Can we get an idea of how many dollars have been allocated since the signing of the agreement-in-principle with these groups and what the terms of these dollars are? Is it up to December 31st or is it on an as needed basis?

Mrs. Groenewegen.

It’s not a simple question of cash switching hands. Sweat equity is a way that people do work things off, and I know in the past, people did trade, barter, and did whatever they had to do to help the other person out. I think that should still originate in this government. I think we have to be conscious that people do have talents in our communities, and if you can make use of those talents and tell them you can work it off, I think that’s all I’m asking for.

I’d like to ask the Minister to take this into serious consideration. Since you look at the arrears that are out there, I think it’s...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to the line item that says “to provide funding for Aboriginal participation in negotiations,” can we get a breakdown of what that funding is and what exactly it is used for?

Total department, not previously authorized, $2.098 million.