As regards the 25% interim funding, we implemented that at least six or seven years ago. We realized that there were delays during elections, which considerably delayed regular funding. So we adopted the interim funding measure to offset that situation. I think it's well received by the communities. They appreciate the fact that, in April, they have the money in the bank to pay their employers and start their programming.
The multi-year agreements were implemented two years ago. As the agreements this year expire on March 31, 2009, the maximum it is possible to get is a multi-year agreement of three years. Five groups in New Brunswick and seven in Newfoundland obtained multi-year agreements of two or three years, which simplifies the process. They don't have to submit a request every year, since the agreement extends over three years. If they submit their activity report and it is consistent with the terms of the contribution agreement, they will receive their money much sooner and much more regularly. In addition, there are fewer reports to submit. They receive 50%, rather than 25%, of their funding in April because the multi-year agreement mechanisms pay out funding faster.
This year, the grant threshold was increased to $75,000. I would tell you off the top of my head that more than half or even more than 60% of the groups that operate on a programming basis receive less than $75,000 a year. The threshold is $30,000 for projects, but, for annual programming, it's much simpler for at least 60% of the groups because they don't have to be accountable, sign an agreement and so on. They simply have to submit a report at the end of the year to state that the grant was used for the purposes of specific activities. That aspect of the arrangement is very much appreciated.
Of course, there are always ways to simplify the process. We are often criticized about the fact that the requests are very complicated to complete and involve a lot of detail. Especially in the case of groups with which we've been doing business for a number of years, it may not be necessary to request so many details.
We're working together with the communities and within the department to try to reduce what we call the administrative load. We know that the communities spend a lot of time resolving administrative details and less doing development. As a department, we are prepared to receive comments and suggestions from the communities on ways to simplify these processes, while remaining accountable to Parliament.