(Paul) Martin's department mum on First Nation budget. Bruce Spence.
First Perspective, February 2000 vol 9 no 2 p1 (English)

In spite of public comments from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) about lobbying the federal finance minister to increase his department's spending on First Nations programming, a departmental spokesman says nothing will be certain until Martin wears new footwear to the Commons next month.

National Chief Phil Fontaine hopes that footwear will be a pair of beaded moccasins. An AFN spokesman says some initial meetings have taken place with finance and a list of items thought to be deserving of increased spending put forward. However, finance officials have rejected most items on the list.

Martin could not be reached for an update on the AFN meetings but a departmental spokesman pointed out that in past years all federal departments but one have experienced cuts in Martin's on-going battle to fight deficits.

"Funding to Indian Affairs remained constant and actually increased throughout those deficit cutting days," said Jean Michel Catta, Chief of Communications for Finance.

Catta was unaware of the scope of talks with AFN but said Martin will continue to honour a commitment to keep the federal Indian Affairs Department's budget constant.

Martin indicated in his latest fiscal update that the key area in next year's budget will be reductions in the personal income taxes of Canadians and increased investment in skill development, Catta said.

On more money for the AFN or Indian programs like health care and housing, Catta said he was not in a position to comment on the specifics of budget line items.

"In terms of the upcoming budget, specifics will be announced on budget day," Catta said.

Budget day is not set. It historically falls in February or March two weeks after it is discussed in question period in the House of Commons.

Martin will be out of the country until the end of January.