MAN - Gam(bl)ing for natives 5 year plan says province
By ROCHELLE SQUIRES, Winnipeg Sun Legislature REPORTER, Wed, November 22, 2006
The Manitoba government has agreed to give natives $20 million in gaming revenue over five years to help improve their standard of living.
The province confirmed a memorandum of understanding was signed earlier this month to provide $4 million per year for the next five years to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC).
Gaming Minister Dave Chomiak remained tight-lipped about details.
"When the fund is ready and if it’s established and set up then obviously we’ll provide the information, but there’s a whole number of matters we’re negotiating," he said.
Negotiations to share lottery profits from all casinos and VLTs in the province with First Nations have been ongoing since 2003. Currently, First Nations keep profits from the two on-reserve casinos and 90% of VLT revenue from on-reserve sites.
Ian Cramer, business adviser for the AMC, said the $20 million would help create economic opportunities.
"We’re a few months away from deciding how that fund will flow, but the intention is for First Nations economic development," said Cramer.
The $20-million fund is being dismissed as paltry by many native leaders.
"The chiefs have told us quite clearly that it’s too small a fund. It’s not nearly enough money to affect change in the economy of First Nations," said Cramer. "But it’s a good first start."
The AMC is also asking for authority over all gaming activity on reserves.
Its proposed First Nations Gaming Corp. would replace Manitoba Lotteries Corp. (MLC) as the regulating body on reserves and oversee on-reserve VLTs, bingo games and casinos.
Chomiak said that decision has not been made.
Opposition leader Hugh McFadyen said the government is keeping taxpayers in the dark about the fund.
"We would like them to table the memorandum of understanding and give Manitobans an opportunity to review it to ensure there’s accountability," he said.
McFadyen said the money should flow with strings attached. "Compliance with a universal smoking ban should be a condition of this agreement," he said.
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