Prime Minister Stephen Harper's commitment in the last federal election campaign that his government would consider extending economic assistance to communities suff ering from the native land claims dispute has not been forgotten, says Brant MP Phil McColeman.
Since Harper made the commitment in a rally at Patriot Forge in the last days of the October 2008 campaign, McColeman concedes that no specially-targeted program has been set up to off set the economic woes in Brantford, Caledonia and other communities in this part of the Grand River watershed that have been bedevilled by protests and work stoppages at construction sites.
He insists, however, that promised help has come in the form of extra considerations for the area's "unique situation" in the amount of stimulus spending in the riding.
"It's well recognized in Ottawa that some communities with land claims issues have suffered economic difficulties," McColeman said when asked yesterday what happened to the promise made a year ago.
"The government has put $75 million in economic stimulus in our community. I believe we have received a good share. The amount of money we have gotten has also, in large part, been due to the fact that we have this problem."
McColeman said he reminds the ministers and bureaucrats handling the stimulus funds of the local situation at every opportunity, and they appear receptive. In fact, the "unique situation" has become code.
He said it shows up in many decisions. For example, ministerial officials, Mayor Mike Hancock and city staff were conferring at one point about two applications from Brantford to the community adjustment fund -a grant for a new hangar at the airport, and another for upgrades to the farmers' market.
Normally, Brantford would get only one of them. Officials asked the city officials which of the two they would rather have.
At one point, McColeman interceded to remind the federal officials of the "unique situation," and the city ended up getting both grants.
"That's a perfect example at a ministerial level that they realize those special circumstances, and we deserve a larger portion of the funds available," he said.
Also, he added, in any applications for project funding from Brantford and Brant Country that have been approved, they have invariably received the full amount requested, while other communities have had to accept less.
"There are many ridings where 'the ask' has been $10 million and they have received maybe $6 million or $7 million," he said. "I haven't had to face a situation where the amount asked for was cut. That's another indicator."
Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock said he realized early on that there would not be any special package to help compensate for the economic fallout of the land claims dispute. But he was made fully aware of the alternative political calculus, and also never misses an opportunity to remind ministers of the "our unique situation" in any discussions with them.
"We have seen that it seems to be working, and I don't think the final chapter has been written on 'our situation.' I will continue to remind ministers and others of it and hope they keep it in mind."