City asked to support renewed urban Aboriginal strategy

City council is being asked to support an effort to renew the federal government’s urban Aboriginal strategy.

The strategy has had $69 million in funding for 13 cities throughout the last five years, including $500,000 a year for Thunder Bay with another $400,000 for project development.

Peter Jones, the strategy’s Ontario director, said with the program up for renewal in March, municipalities like Thunder Bay need to show its support so the UAS can continue.

"We would like support from you so that we can move forward and seek funding," Jones said.

Coun. Iain Angus said the strategy has been essential for Thunder Bay, including school programs that have helped more than 250 children throughout the city. With five per cent cuts being asked for by the federal government to most departments, Angus wanted to know how the strategy could avoid such cuts.

"We don’t want to see a further reduction," Angus said.

But Jones said it’s up to the federal government’s cabinet whether to reduce funding, keep the strategy or scrap it altogether.

"We’re hopeful that things will be that we continue on" Jones said.

Council has asked for a report from administration how the strategy has affected Thunder Bay to come back as soon as possible.