Election Could Jeopardize LLRIB Housing Money

Election Could Jeopardize LLRIB Housing Money

Friday, November 25, 2005 at 15:24

 

 

The chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band says she worries the band will be out $2.2 million because of the threat of an oncoming federal election.

 

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson says the band recently received a phone call from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

 

The agency told her that funding for the band’s housing projects could be at risk because of a looming federal election call.

 

Cook-Searson says apparently the budget hasn’t been approved yet, and that means the band could be on the hook for $2.2 million because they went ahead and built 37 housing units on their own.

 

She says she has talked with Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott about the situation.

 

The CMHC was due to approve its budget on December 8th.

 

Cook-Searson says it’s uncertain how an election will affect that.

 

Meanwhile, she says she’s eager to hear details of the federal government’s health blueprint for First Nations, that’s expected to be unveiled today.

 

She adds she’s happy so far with what she’s seen from Prime Minister Paul Martin’s government at the First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Issues in Kelowna, BC.