OTTAWA--"Why has the federal government allowed federal job training funds to be used to train private militias," said John Cummins, M.P. (Delta-South Richmond).

Last week near Chilliwack during a confrontation with the Cheam Band over early Stuart sockeye Fishery Officers had to stare down members of the Penticton militia in a confrontation reminiscent of the stand off between armed warriors at Oka and the army.

Native leaders claim they have formed native defence forces or militias throughout British Columbia and that federal job training dollars have been used to fund the militias. Federal funding from Human Resources Development was used to train the Penticton band's militia at the First Nations Tribal Justice Institute in Mission. Band members were supposedly registered in programs which would qualify them to work as provincially certified security guards.

"The establishment of these militias requires appropriate action by the RCMP. Many questions need to be answered," said Cummins.

- How is it that taxpayers dollars are being used to train native militias?
- Who screened the persons who participated in this federally funded training to ensure they  were reliable and suitable for such
  training?
- Were persons screened out who had previously participated in blockades and occupations   organized by the Penticton or Adams
  Lake Bands?
- Were persons screened out who were likely to engage in illegal activities?
- Who in authority knew about the training program and its eventual purpose?

"Federal job training funds should be use to train for real jobs. There are no job openings for private native militias in British Columbia. There is no place for private armies outfitted in battle fatigues and funded by federal job training dollars."