Document Information
Date: 1902-03-24
By: Canada (Parliament)
Citation: Canada, Senate Debates, 9th Parl, 2nd Sess, 1902 at 111
Other formats: TBA
111
SUBSIDIES TO THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES.
INQUIRY.
Hon. Mr. PERLEY inquired of the government:—
If they have provided for or are going to give the government of the North-west Territories a larger grant of money to carry on the government of the North-west Territories than they did last year, and if so, about what amount?
Hon. Mr. SCOTT—The main estimates are on the Table. I am not aware that there is any largely increased amount. The supplementary estimates, however, have not yet been considered. The hon. gentleman will get his information when they are brought down and laid on the Table.
Hon. Mr. PERLEY—I anticipated that that would be the reply. It is hardly fair or reasonable to expect the government of the North-west Territories to carry on the government of the country in view of the large increase of immigration—which is the result of the government immigration policy—it is hard to expect them to maintain schools and provide for such a rapidly increasing population without funds. Last year there was a large shortage to meet the requirements of the government. I think they were short about $150,000. This year the deficiency will be still greater, and I am sure it would be very unfair to the people of the Territories if the Dominion government, out of the large revenues they have, do not provide a sum to meet the requirements of the people there, and not force them to resort to higher taxation than they have at present. Mr. Haultain on one occasion said if there was not a larger grant we would have to get provincial autonomy and look after ourselves. I understood the hon. gentleman to say it was not the intention of the government to grant provincial autonomy. What are they to do? They can not raise the money themselves, and the government here will not give them enough money to carry on the government of the Territories. In no part of this Dominion of Canada do the people contribute, in proportion to their numbers, so much to the revenue of the country as the people of the North-west Territories. We contribute on all the articles we have to use. We have to buy the manufactured goods of eastern Canada or imported goods, and have to contribute largely to the revenue, and if the government fold their hands now and refuse to give us money for the schools, roads and bridges of that country, it is most unfair. I hope when the government will see the matter in its true light and in the supplementary estimates appropriate a sufficient amount to enable the government of the Territories to carry on the administration of affairs in the way it should be done.