Metis council refines budget proposal

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The Metis National Council declares its 1994 budget proposal a solution to the often frustrating financial arrangement it has with the federal government.

The proposal promises increased accountability to the Canadian taxpayer and a simplified fiscal relationship with the Canadian government.

In an executive summery of the proposal, the MNC outlines a streamlined arrangement which would see funding rationalized in the office of the Interlocutor, rather than have funds remitted from numerous different government departments.

The existing relationship with the government is awkward and cumbersome, reads the proposal.

The current arrangements are uncoordinated and leads to duplication and decreased cost effectiveness. The new proposal attempts to decrease the reporting and administration requirements while maintaining accountability.

This rationalization would allow more effective planning by the MNC, reads the summary, as well as allow for the setting of priorities and greater accountability.

The key elements of the proposal are a one-stop budgeting and accounting process; a three year planning process; community-based initiatives, accountable to the Metis and the government; and a jointly appointed auditor to monitor MNC expenditures.

The summary is quick to point out that no new money is being requested, only the consolidation of money already earmarked for the MNC.

The council wants to implement this agreement this year and has asked the government to provide a response to its proposal as soon as possible.