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MLA goes hunting for answers

Mar 8, 2011 | 10:42 AM

The spring session of the legislature is now in full swing, and the opposition critic for Northern Affairs is ready.

Doyle Vermette, MLA for Cumberland House, has at least one issue he wants to raise to the government.

He said he wants to know why funding was cut to the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association.

The association had their annual funding, $50,000, cut in half. As a result, the association has been forced to make some cutbacks, including cancelling the March convention.

“They (the trappers) are very frustrated…they're wondering why…..to look at the money the government is cutting from them, you'd think that it would want to enhance what they are doing and support the industry,” said Vermette.

Vermette said the cuts come at a time when the industry is thriving.

“If you look at some of the numbers they are doing out there overall. I think it is very clear there is an opportunity here and I think they need the support of the current administration to make sure they can get their product to market, and to make sure they can get a good price.”

Vermette said he will continue to work with the association to help them get their funding restored.

nmaxwell@panow.com