NEDP $345-million boost program ends March 31

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The five-year $345 million Native Economic Development Program (NEDP) will end March 31, 1989. However, amid calls from both the Native community and within the board for continuing the program, chances look good for a replacement.

Don Hannah, regional director for the western region (B.C., Alberta and the Yukon) said, "we anticipate the introduction of a new program. No decision has been made by cabinet."

He believes the sheer number and nature of the applications indicates that the Native economic community wants another program. He added he's "confident some decision will be

rendered in the next 20 days" which would fall during the last week of March.

If a go-ahead for a new program is announced, Hannah agrees that such an announcement would be considered late-coming but attributes this to a recent cabinet shuffle. He's

satisfied with the new minister. Harvey Andre, and is pleased he's a senior minister. Andre, replaced Bernard Valcourt as the minister responsible for the NEDP portfolio.

To date, the program has committed $262 million on 639 projects. B.C. Has allotted $57 million and Alberta $48 million. Ontario received $35 million, and Saskatchewan $32 million. Manitoba, where the head office was located, received $16 million. Under the program, if a proposal is accepted, the applicant is either loaned or granted funds or a combination of both.

Pearl Calahasen is the Alberta representative on the Native Economic Development Board. The board, after receiving recommendations from program staff in regards to proposals, makes recommendations to the minister, who makes the final decision.

Calahasen, whose term will also expire with the program, would like to see a replacement for the NEDP.

She also hopes that if a new program is implemented, it will be an improved one with more accessibility. Calahasen also feels Native people should be made more aware of these programs.