The Town of Oromocto last week informed the Oromocto First Nation (OFN) of its intended cessation of municipal services, without further notice. The absence of a renewed agreement since April 2005 and OFN’s failure to address the outstanding debt for which they have been repeatedly invoiced has forced the Town to cease services.

 

This debt has now risen to more than $450,000 and investigation has revealed that funds have been transferred to OFN by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) under the First Nation’s multi-year funding agreement on 1 April 2005. This was all in keeping with the transfer of responsibilities to OFN.

 

The Town in good faith, has provided all former services to the OFN. Repeated efforts to bring OFN and federal departmental officials to a meeting to formalize these arrangements and address the payment of arrears have been unsuccessful. This situation is seriously affecting cash flow for the Town and will not be tolerated further.

 

The Federal Minister of INAC, Hon. Chuck Strahl; Honourable Andy Scott; INAC Regional Director Ian Gray; OFN Chief, Roger Atwin and Council; and OFN Band Manager, Karen Paul, have been informed of the Town’s decision as have the residents of the of OFN.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Cindy Abbott, Public Information Officer

506-357-4442