Debates of June 5, 2006 (day 5)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Honourable Brendan Bell, the Minister of ITI. I’d just like to tell the Minister that for several years now I’ve been trying to track down this SINED fund and I found it in today’s News/North.

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The Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, they’ve changed their name again, too, by the way, Mr. Speaker, and they’re calling it now TIPs, Targeted Investment Program. I’m just wondering, how is our Department of ITI involved in this and how can we support that project to tap into these funds? Mahsi cho.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 58-15(5): Accessing Federal Investment Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, this money is long awaited. The TIPs initiative was one that was rolled out or at least discussed when the SINED program was created. The SINED name was given. It really talks to some strategic focus for this money. The federal government has been in discussions with our government about areas that they would like to see supported. We’ve talked about tourism. We’ve talked about geoscience. There still will be a pot of money, I understand, that the federal government will have that will be application based. So residents from across the territory can apply for that pot of money. We had thought the funds would start to roll out in May. That hasn’t happened. We’re now being told June. So, Mr. Speaker, we are encouraged that the money we think is very close and as soon as I have some more information, I’ll certainly bring that forward to Members. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 58-15(5): Accessing Federal Investment Funding

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad to hear that response from the Minister. One of the projects that I’ve been championing for the Nahendeh region is, of course, Nahendeh Air. I’ve seen some guidelines with regard to transportation. Is this something that will fit that guideline and would the Minister support a joint submission that would support a regional airline for the Nahendeh riding? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 58-15(5): Accessing Federal Investment Funding

Sorry, Mr. Speaker. It’s tough for me to say if that would meet the program criteria and requirements. It is obviously a federal program, but as to our government’s support for that initiative, we have been very supportive. We’ve been involved in helping with the planning. We think there’s a lot of merit and we do think and would like to see regional interests more involved in the businesses in their communities and in their regions. So we’re firmly supportive of this and whether or not that will be eligible for SINED funding will be a decision that the federal government makes, but the Member can be assured that he has my support for this initiative. Thank you.