$6.2 million boost gets mixed reaction

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Alberta Native businesses and economic development projects got a boost of $6.2 million in funding from the federal government this week but not everyone is entirely happy with the way in which applications of funds are processed.

"It takes far too long . . . there have been some projects that have been hanging for a long time. It (applications) goes through quite a bureaucratic process," says director of communications with the Indian Association of Alberta Lou Desmarais. He also suspects that "proposals get held back until it is politically wise to make big announcements."

Although critical of the amount of time it takes to process applications and the timing of announcements he doesn't deny the need for the economic development program.

Ultimately you get success but the way in which the whole process runs its course is frustrating."

The president of the Metis Association Larry Desmeules says he would like the program to be more responsive to his people. The Metis people don't have the resources of treaty Indians and can't hire people to help them secure grants, he said, according to an Edmonton Journal report.

The announcement was made on Feb. 22 by federal minister of Small Business and Tourism, Bernard Valcourt, where he pointed out department officials are looking at ways to streamline the application process.

The 11 Native projects approved include:

- $190,000 for the expansion of Parenteau Trucking in Peace River

- $320,000 to a Hinton logging company sponsored by the Fox Creek Development Association. Jobs created: four

- $441,300 to Chiniki Restaurant Ltd. In Calgary for expansion. Jobs created: up to nine.

- $130,000 to establish a Fort Chipewyan tourist lodge. Jobs created: seven with potential for another 50

- $442,000 to For McKay Developments Ltd. For the construction of a commercial building.

- $144,000 for a gas bar, car wash, and coin laundry mart at Rimbey.

- $2,510,000 to Kainai Industries Ltd. At Stand Off for the construction of 50 modular home units. Jobs created: 34.

- $475,000 to ST. Paul Mannawanis Cultural Development Society to buy a commercial building.

- $1,700,000 to Nakoda Lodge Ltd. To establish a conference centre which would incorporate the existing lodge with a proposed 50 unit hotel, swimming pool and assorted facilities on the Morley reserve.

- $200,000 to Pimee Well Servicing Ltd., in St. Paul, to buy a second oil well servicing rig.

- $90,000 to Cree-Ations Weaving Co. Ltd. In Bonnyville to expand production.

The $345 million Native Economic Development Fund was originally set up under the Liberal government in 1983 to assist Native economic development ventures.